Drivers in Claresholm should prepare for major traffic headaches as crews begin replacing a collapsed sewer line under Highway 2. The Town of Claresholm has hired United Utilities to tackle the emergency repair, which is expected to take about two months and will also see new water lines installed along Highways 2 and 520.
The collapsed pipe is the main sewer outfall for the east side of town, so this work is critical to prevent backups and environmental issues. Over the next two months, the Alberta-based company will replace 90 metres of sewer line between the McDonald’s intersection on the east side of the highway and the alley behind the motel on the west side. At the same time, they will lay 200 metres of new water main from Highway 2 west to 3rd Street West, creating a loop that adds redundancy to the system and helps boost water pressure and quality for residents.
According to the Town of Claresholm, Highway 520 westbound will be closed from Highway 2 to 3rd Street West for the duration of the project. There will also be intermittent closures on Highway 2 as work progresses, so anyone travelling through the area should plan for detours and delays. Construction crews will be on site from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays, so the disruption will be felt throughout the week.
The town’s sewage system relies on gravity to move waste to lagoon cells west of Claresholm, so this collapsed line posed a real risk to service. The town is urging patience while United Utilities carries out the fix. The company has more than 25 years of experience with water and sewer projects across Alberta.
Residents and businesses along the Highway 2 and 520 corridor should expect significant delays and may want to find alternate routes for the next two months. The town has not announced any specific detour routes, but drivers can expect flaggers and lane shifts in the construction zone.
