Abstract Manager

On the evening of June 5, 2024, a catastrophic break occurred along the Calgary Bearspaw South Feeder Main, leading to the activation of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA). The Feeder Main accounts for approximately 60% of the treated water servicing the City of Calgary and the failure highlights the crucial role of mobility operations in restoring services and minimizing disruptions to the road network and facilitating the repair work.

The break in the Feeder Main caused significant disruptions, necessitating immediate and efficient response measures. Teams in mobility operations acted swiftly to set up lane closures and detours redirecting traffic from the affected area, ensuring the safety of both the public and emergency responders. Adjustments to signal timing were also made to facilitate smoother traffic flow and prevent bottlenecks. Effective coordination across multiple departments within mobility operations was vital to maintaining access while reducing congestion. Furthermore, technology support was crucial for the City’s strategic communication response which monitored traffic conditions and provided real-time updates to the public, helping to alleviate confusion and frustration.

Roadway inspections were carried out to assess the damage and identify any potential hazards. These inspections were key in determining the necessary repairs and ensuring the safety of the affected infrastructure. The collaboration between mobility operations and other departments, such as public works and emergency services, was essential to coordinating these efforts and ensuring a quick and effective response.

The response to the Feeder Main break underscored the critical importance of mobility operations in emergency situations. The ability to rapidly implement changing traffic management strategies and coordinate efforts across departments was crucial for minimizing disruptions and restoring services. This incident highlighted the value of collaboration and efficient traffic management in ensuring public safety and maintaining access during emergencies.

In conclusion, the break in the Calgary Bearspaw South Feeder Main on June 5, 2024, demonstrated the vital role of mobility operations in managing emergency infrastructure failures. The swift and effective response, including lane closures, detours, changes to signal timing, technology support, and roadway inspections, was essential for minimizing disruptions and restoring services. The collaboration across departments further emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in ensuring public safety and maintaining access during crises. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that mobility operations play in emergency situations and the value of effective traffic management in mitigating the impact of infrastructure failures.