Construction Update
Construction on the Eau Claire Area Improvements continue, and while work will reduce through the winter months, you can still expect to see construction activity in the area.
We know the construction in the area can be disruptive and want to provide you with information on projects within the program to give you an idea of what you can expect throughout the winter.
Eau Claire Plaza Construction Update
On October 14, the project team was able to safely and successfully move the Eau Claire Lumber Company Building to its temporary location at 381 Second Avenue SW. Planning and assessments are underway to determine how the building will be used in its interim location.
With the colder temperatures coming, you will start to see heating and hoarding tents installed onsite to prepare for concrete and Plaza site work throughout the winter. We have also prepared winterization plans for the Eau Claire area considering snow and sediment controls to help keep the area safe and clear. Pedestrian detours will remain open and will be cleared in a timely matter to ensure access is maintained and traffic can safely move throughout our construction sites.
General construction will continue through the winter. For updates on the Plaza redesign, visit our Eau Claire Plaza Redesign (calgary.ca) page.
Installation of the Downtown Flood Barrier Underway
The installation of the sheet piles required for the Downtown Flood Barrier is vital to creating the flood barrier that will help to protect downtown, Chinatown, East Village, and Eau Claire from future flood events. The flood barrier started near the Reconciliation Bridge and connects to the flood mitigation installed in the West Eau Claire Park project completed in 2019.
In the coming days, Graham Construction will start the sheet piling for the Downtown Flood Barrier west of 2 Street SW and continue west towards the Eau Claire Lagoon. We know that this can be disruptive and want to thank you for your time and patience throughout the construction.
Expected sheet piling schedule:
- Reconciliation Bridge to Centre Street: Complete
- Centre Street to Jaipur Bridge: November to December 2021
Expected timeline: The above schedule is subject to change based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances. We know that some deliveries are impacted by the flooding in British Columbia and expect to see potential delays for steel delivery.
In an effort to reduce the noise, vibration, and duration of piling, crews will pre-drill the area before the piles are installed. Drilling and piling rigs will be in the area in advance of the sheet piling to prepare the subsurface for the installation of the sheet piles.
Over the winter, crews will be working on the concrete footings and systems required for the stop logs at the openings of the flood barrier and installing sheet piling. The crews are building the retaining structures under Centre Street Bridge required to stabilize the underpass and create the flood resiliency for the pathway. It is important that we complete this work before the spring to ensure we are on schedule for the grading, hardscaping, and landscaping required for the Eau Claire Promenade.
Girder Delivery and Erection for the New Jaipur Bridge
Delivery of steel girders for the New Jaipur Bridge was scheduled to begin on November 18. The delivery will be done in three trips; November 18, 22, and 25. The deliveries are expected to arrive at 6:00 am and be complete within a couple of hours. The delivery trucks will travel north on 2 Street SW accessing Barclay Parade from the east end and leave on the same route.
Parking will be restricted along the east side of 2 Street SW and the south side of Barclay Parade, but we do not expect any business or residential access disruptions. To ensure safety throughout the delivery, you can expect to see slow-moving trucks, with backup alarms and flaggers on-site to direct traffic. We know that the site will be congested throughout the delivery, and we appreciate your patience with our crews.
Once the steel is on-site, the steel girders are scheduled to be erected and installed in place on November 29 and 30.
Girder delivery and erection: The above schedule is subject to change based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Community Impacts and Site Safety through the Winter
Although the construction activity within the Eau Claire area will be reduced over the winter, the site will remain active, which means pathway detours and fencing will remain in place. The community-level impacts that you can expect throughout the winter are listed below:
- We know that skating on the Eau Claire Lagoon is a favourite community attraction in the winter, and while the construction is ongoing for the new Jaipur Bridge, the lagoon will remain closed. Do not try to access the lagoon this winter. Please maintain a safe distance from the construction zone and beware of thin ice within the lagoon.
- The permanent pathway connection north of Jaipur Bridge is now open. This is the first permanent infrastructure element of the Eau Claire Area Improvements program to be completed. The pathway will be tied into the north abutment of the new Jaipur Bridge once ready.
- The pedestrian ramps at Centre Street are underway. The piles for the ramps are in place, and next the teams will start to build and form the ramps that will connect RiverWalk and the Bow River Pathway to the Centre Street Bridge.
- The crews are building the retaining structures under Centre Street Bridge required to stabilize the underpass and create the flood resiliency for the pathway.
Community Detours
- Riverfront Avenue and 2 Street SW Detour: Between Reconciliation Bridge and 2 Street SW, a detour is installed to support the multi-use pathway users. This means that people walking, riding bikes or scooters use the pathway together. Please drive, ride, and walk with care in the area by following the signs, speed limits, and obeying traffic rules. As a reminder, this is a high-traffic area, so watch for vehicles entering and exiting the roadway.
- 3 Avenue Detour: The permanent replacement for curbs and wheelchair ramps between 8 Street SW and 1 Street SE is underway. Line painting, signage, and bike infrastructure are being installed. The detour was expected to open in November. Please drive and ride with care in the area as localized detours vary throughout construction.
For more information about construction impacts and detours, visit the Eau Claire Area Improvements construction and detours website.
Activities On Prince’s Island Park – The Island Is Still Open!
Check out the NEW IndigTOURS Virtual Reality art tour. The ‘Remembering Our Children’ trail – download the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) IndigiTRAILS app, which will take you on a 30-minute walk to view seven art installations focused on starting a conversation about Residential Schools.
For more information on current activities available on Prince’s Island Park, visit calgary.ca.
Stay connected!
Have questions or concerns about project construction? Call 311 or email us at [email protected].
