Electric utility project continues in river valley near Whoop-Up Drive

If you've seen big drills and heavy machinery in the river valley, it isn't because we're digging for buried treasure. 

Crews are working on a major infrastructure improvement that will relocate electrical cables from inside Whoop-Up Drive to beneath the Oldman River.

Staging began in September with the creation of an access road from Whoop-Up Drive into the river valley. With staging complete, drilling has started at the east side of the Oldman River. Drilling will progress underground, beneath the river, to accommodate the relocation of existing electrical cables and future infrastructure. 

The work is being completed using underground drilling methods that allow crews to install infrastructure beneath the river without disturbing the river. While drilling is an around-the-clock process, noise reduction efforts are in place to ensure noise impacts on residents are as minimal as possible. 

The outside lane of eastbound Whoop-Up Drive may close periodically so that crews and machinery can safely access the work site. A section of Coal Banks Trail, in Bull Trail Park South, is also closed to pedestrians and cyclists for the duration of the project. Please follow all posted signage and stay clear of construction areas. 

This phase is expected to be completed in November, weather permitting. 

The following phase, which includes relocating the cables from inside Whoop-Up Drive, is scheduled to take place in summer 2027. 

For Public Inquiries:  
Call or chat with 311 I Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.