The Town of Banff has closed the intersection of Caribou Street and Lynx Street starting March 30, 2026, to allow for the replacement of a failing, century-old water main. The intersection will remain closed until June 30, 2026, while crews perform deep excavation to upgrade the aging water and sewer pipes.
Drivers who typically enter town via Norquay Road and travel down Lynx Street toward the Bow River Bridge will need to use Banff Avenue as an alternate route during this time. The town notes that pedestrian crosswalks in the area will also be rerouted to keep people safe while work is underway.
Officials initiated this $6.8 million project to replace infrastructure that has exceeded its life expectancy and is currently breaking apart. The town opted for this proactive approach after dealing with multiple crack repairs in recent years, aiming to prevent major water main breaks similar to those seen in other municipalities.
This work is part of a larger plan to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, following the design style established during the 2021 Bear Street project. Once the construction is complete, the new intersection design will feature shorter crossing distances for pedestrians, better visibility, and a new parkette.
Although construction is concentrated at the intersection of Caribou and Lynx, all local businesses, including those near Banff Park Lodge and Canada House Gallery, remain open to the public throughout the project. Work is expected to wrap up by July to minimize disruptions during the busy summer tourist season.
