Southridge watermain relining project set to begin in July

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According to the city, there have been six watermain breaks along the corridor in recent years. The failures are believed to be linked to accelerated deterioration of the pipe caused by corrosive soil conditions in the area.

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Each break has resulted in temporary water outages affecting hundreds of residents.

“Each of these breaks has resulted in temporary water outages causing up to 300 properties to lose access to water,” the city said in a statement.

Rather than replacing the entire pipe through traditional excavation methods, crews will use a relining technique that restores the existing watermain to near-new condition while minimizing the amount of digging required.

The approach allows municipalities to rehabilitate aging infrastructure while reducing disruption to roads, neighbourhoods and nearby properties.

Work Begins in Early July

Preparatory work is already underway, with city crews beginning to set up above-ground equipment this week.

Excavation work is scheduled to begin on July 6, with the relining operation itself expected to start on July 13.

The project is expected to continue throughout July.

While the work is being completed, residents and motorists should expect traffic changes and construction activity in the area.

To maintain access for local residents, one lane of traffic will remain open on Southridge Avenue between St. Lawrence Avenue and Dakelh Ti. However, traffic will be restricted to northbound travel only.

The city is encouraging drivers who do not live on Southridge Avenue to use alternate routes whenever possible to help reduce congestion around the construction zone.

A full closure will also be in place at the intersection of Southridge Avenue and St. Anne Avenue for the duration of the project.

The closure is expected to affect neighbourhood traffic patterns and may require motorists to adjust their regular routes.

Temporary Water Services Installed

To ensure residents continue to have access to water during portions of the project, crews have installed temporary above-ground water services for approximately 30 properties directly affected by the work.

The temporary systems will provide service when normal water connections are unavailable due to construction activities.

The city says most residents in the surrounding neighbourhood should continue to receive regular water service throughout the project, although some temporary impacts are possible.

Homes near the work zone may experience occasional fluctuations in water pressure or discoloured water as construction progresses.

Officials stress that the water remains safe to drink.

Residents who notice sediment or discoloration are advised to run cold water taps until the water clears.

Such temporary changes are common during water infrastructure projects as disturbances within the system can loosen naturally occurring sediment from inside pipes.

Preventing Future Failures

Watermain relining projects have become increasingly popular among municipalities looking to extend the life of underground infrastructure without the cost and disruption associated with complete pipe replacement.

By creating a new protective surface within the existing pipe, relining can improve water flow, strengthen aging infrastructure and reduce the likelihood of leaks and breaks.

For Southridge residents, the project is intended to address a section of watermain that has become increasingly problematic.

Repeated failures have led to service interruptions, emergency repairs and inconvenience for homeowners in the area.

With up to 300 properties impacted during previous breaks, city officials say the rehabilitation project represents a proactive investment designed to improve reliability and reduce future emergency repairs.

The $4-million investment also aligns with the city’s broader efforts to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure before failures become more widespread or costly.

Municipal water systems often consist of infrastructure that has been in service for several decades, making rehabilitation and replacement projects a key component of long-term asset management planning.

Residents Asked for Patience

City officials acknowledge the work will bring temporary inconvenience during the summer construction season but say the upgrades are necessary to ensure reliable water service in the years ahead.

Construction equipment, traffic changes and periodic water service impacts are expected while crews complete the project.

The city is asking residents to remain patient and follow posted traffic controls and detour signage throughout the project.

“The City thanks residents for their patience and cooperation as crews complete this necessary infrastructure work,” the city said.

Once complete, the relined watermain is expected to provide significantly improved reliability along a section of infrastructure that has experienced repeated failures in recent years.

For residents of Southridge, city officials hope the investment will translate into fewer disruptions, improved service and greater confidence in the neighbourhood’s water system for years to come.