Significant Damage Discovered, Calgary Pipe Repair Extends Timeline by Three to Five Weeks

Calgary Water Service Repair Update: Delays Expected

The resumption of normal water service in Calgary is facing delays of up to an additional three to five weeks due to significant damage found in the feedermain that ruptured last week. The city has identified the need for additional repairs to be made while the pipe is bare and dry to prevent another major rupture.

Sue Henry of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency acknowledges that this news was not what residents were hoping to hear, but assures that the decision was not made lightly. Calgarians are urged to continue with water-saving measures for a longer period to ensure emergency reserves do not run dry.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek has proposed various workarounds, such as reducing indoor water usage by avoiding shaving and capturing rainwater in kiddie pools. The city is actively seeking cooperation from residents in reducing water consumption as crews work to fix the water main break and restore normal water flow into underground reservoirs.

The city of Calgary, along with surrounding municipalities like Airdrie and Chestermere, have implemented mandatory and voluntary water cutback rules following the major water line rupture. Residents are asked to reduce indoor water usage through measures like shorter showers and minimizing toilet flushes, while outdoor watering is currently banned.

Gondek emphasizes the importance of water conservation and encourages residents to take advantage of upcoming rain by capturing water for non-drinking purposes. Complaints have been received regarding water usage on golf courses and city workers watering trees, but Gondek clarifies that non-potable or recycled water is being utilized for these activities.

Water consumption in Calgary has exceeded the city’s rationed threshold, indicating a need for immediate conservation efforts to prevent water scarcity. Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown urges residents to conserve water by simple actions like turning off taps while washing hands.

The repair process for the ruptured pipe involves welding a replacement into place, cleaning, and testing it. Work was briefly paused earlier in the week due to injuries sustained by workers. Despite the challenges, officials are working diligently to restore water service to the city and surrounding areas.

As we navigate through these challenges, cooperation from residents is crucial in ensuring the conservation of water resources. Let’s continue to support efforts to reduce water usage and work together to overcome this temporary setback in Calgary’s water service.

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Officials from Maryland Announce Timeline and Cost Estimate for Rebuilding Bridge

Maryland to Rebuild Francis Scott Key Bridge After Tragic Collapse

Maryland officials have announced plans to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge within the next four years, following a tragic collapse that resulted in the deaths of six workers. The estimated cost for the reconstruction project is between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with a new span expected to be completed by the fall of 2028.

The recovery efforts at the collapse site have been ongoing, and authorities recently recovered the body of a fifth victim, identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez. The victims of the collapse were all Latino immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, who came to the United States seeking a better life.

In response to the incident, the state of Maryland has filed claims against the bridge’s insurance policy, with a $350 million payout from Chubb expected to be the first of many. The salvage teams are also working tirelessly to clear the wreckage from the collapse site, with plans to refloat and remove the Dali container ship that has been stationary since the incident.

The salvage and demolition crews are focused on freeing the ship from the steel span that fell on its bow, allowing it to be guided back to the Port of Baltimore. A controlled demolition is scheduled to break down the largest remaining span, with a massive hydraulic grabber in operation to lift the steel sections onto barges.

Overall, the state and the involved parties are working diligently to address the aftermath of the collapse and ensure the safety of maritime traffic through the Port of Baltimore. The rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a pivotal step towards restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of all those who utilize the bridge in the future.

As the recovery efforts continue, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families, as well as the brave individuals working tirelessly to restore the bridge and the impacted area. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of the reconstruction project and the recovery efforts at the collapse site.

©2024 The Canadian Press

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