Travelers along 15th Ave downtown near Victoria Street can expect some traffic disruption and unpleasant odors as city crews conduct repairs after an aging sewer line burst beneath the street earlier today.
The city says no residences or businesses are directly affected by the break.
Commuters can expect lane closures on 15th Ave between Spruce and Victoria Streets near the Save-On Foods for a few days. The city says a total street closure is not expected to be necessary in either direction.
At this time, the city believed a major buildup of material in the system at that location caused the break as the pressurized sewer line that burst was installed in 1966.
Currently, some wastewater has bubbled up to the street up level along with an accompanying odor. Residents are asked to avoid walking in the area indicated by the pylons.
Crews are working to conduct a temporary bypass operation further up 15th Avenue near Edmonton Street to main capacity in the lines until a more permanent fix can be undertaken.
As part of the operation, a road closure between Edmonton and Lethbridge Street may be necessary later this week. Once the operation is complete, the wastewater and odors will dissipate.
The city says further updates will be provided as the operation is carried out.
