Mill Creek trunk rehabilitation

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Project overview
Timelines
What to expect during construction
Causes of possible schedule delays

The Mill Creek combined sewer trunks carry wastewater from a large part of south Edmonton towards the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant, and also convey rainwater and snowmelt from some of Edmonton’s older south side neighborhoods. This line services approximately 58,000 sanitary connections in south Edmonton. Segments of the combined sewer trunk have been observed to be in very poor condition.

Inspections have identified that the existing tunnel running through the Ritchie and Old Strathcona neighborhoods, as well as under the Mill Creek Ravine, requires replacement to ensure it continues to reliably meet the needs for south Edmonton.

The project began in mid-March 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Project overview

The Mill Creek combined trunks carry wastewater from a large part of south Edmonton towards the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant, and also convey stormwater and snowmelt from some of Edmonton’s older south side neighbourhoods. This line services approximately 58,000 sanitary connections in south Edmonton.

The Mill Creek combined trunk services the Edmonton region highlighted on the map.

In 2020, crews had identified large holes in the trunk as well as a deteriorated manhole. An emergency repair was completed in Mill Creek Ravine, which involved impacts to the trail system, tree removal and heavy equipment being transported and utilized on site.

Further inspections were completed to evaluate the remainder of the trunk’s condition. Due to the poor condition and location of the line, a new trunk was needed to replace the existing trunk and ensure the system continues to reliably meet the needs of the City of Edmonton. Once the new trunk has been constructed, a portion of the existing trunk in Mill Creek Ravine will be abandoned.

The selected alignment of the new trunk is located outside of Mill Creek Ravine. The completion of the new trunk will help reduce the risk of significant environmental impacts to the ravine in the event of a trunk failure.

Timelines

This project will be completed in 3 stages; work began in March 2023 on Stage 1 and we estimate the entire project will be finished in spring 2026.

Please note that these timelines are estimates and are pending approvals, material procurement/availability, construction conditions and weather.

Stage one construction (complete)

Mid-March 2023 to mid-2025

During Stage One of the project, crews constructed a 30 meter deep shaft at Worksite #1 for the tunnel boring machine (TBM), which was used for the construction of the new tunnel. A retrieval shaft in was constructed at Worksite #2 in Tubby Bateman Park. Construction of the new tunnel is now complete.

Stage two construction

Spring 2025 to fall 2025

Crews will perform open-trench work along 80 Avenue, between 96 Street and 97 Street, in order to connect the existing sewer to the new trunk. The work will be completed in phases. A full road closure is required to accommodate excavation of the work area and the road will remain closed for the duration of the Stage Two work. Additional information will be provided to impacted residents and will include details of traffic impacts, timelines and schedule where possible.

Community disruption

EPCOR will work with residents to understand individual impacts related to this work, such as garbage pick-up, accessibility issues and other needs. We will work to determine mitigations on a case by case basis.

Traffic

There will be a full road closure on 80 Avenue, from 97 Street to the intersection of 96 Street, to accommodate open cut construction. The road will be closed for the duration of this work.

Sidewalks/walkways

Sidewalks on 80 Avenue will remain open for pedestrians. Working Hours Typical hours of work will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. If required, these hours may be extended, and construction may occur on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Stage three construction

Summer 2025 to spring 2026

During stage three, crews will decommission the existing trunk line within the ravine by filling it with a concrete-like material. Crews will use the existing trails as an access route to complete this work, however it is anticipated that trails remain open to pedestrians the majority of the time.

Community disruption

There may be intermittent trail closures while crews are moving equipment, such as a mini-excavator, and materials to the worksites.

Please note, further notification will be provided to impacted residents before Stage Three work begins and will include details of traffic impacts, timelines and schedule when possible.

What to expect during construction

To try to understand and reduce the construction impacts to the public, we've met with Mill Creek School, Bonnie Doon Community League and several other organizations that will be impacted by the work. EPCOR has also provided a project backgrounder to impacted residents of Old Strathcona, Ritchie, King Edward Park, and Bonnie Doon communities.

Noise abatement measures will be utilized at the 24 hour a day tunneling sites; however, construction noise should be anticipated. Activity is reduced to the minimum requirement during overnight hours.

Detours will be created for any sidewalk/pedestrian crossing closures.

Lighting structures will be place low within the worksite to minimize light from spilling outside the worksite.

As the construction worksites are in close proximity to Mill Creek School and Tubby Bateman Park, the site will utilize secure fencing and site hoarding material to block visibility and deter activity around the site.

EPCOR will work with Mill Creek School to provide safety education for students to promote safe behaviour around construction sites.

EPCOR will also provide information to the school to provide to parents.

Causes of possible schedule delays

While we always do our best to plan construction and abide by construction timelines communicated to the public, unexpected events can potentially occur which may delay the schedule.

Extreme weather including severe cold, heavy rains, high winds and lighting make working unsafe. During these conditions, the site will be shut down.

Questions?

Your questions are important to us.

Contact EPCOR

Phone: 780-412-4200
Email: epcorprojects@epcor.com