Drivers may want to avoid cutting east to west through the downtown until next week.

First Avenue has been closed since Monday morning and part of Center Avenue is torn up as the city works on a project to improve the quality of the water entering Nose Creek.

“So what we’re doing is we’re installing large oil and grit separators to enhance the water quality and remove sediments and hydrocarbons and heavy metals from road storm runoff,” explained project manager Adam Carroll.

The technology will help to remove the contaminants from the runoff water so it’s not going into Nose Creek. The goal is to make the watershed healthier.

It’s part of a proposed five-year program to put these separators in along the creek. This is considered a test location for the technology. If it’s successful, they will look at expanding the technology to other areas adjacent to the creek.

For now, part First Avenue is expected to remain fully closed until Monday or Tuesday of next week. The project is around 90 per cent complete. The remainder of the work, along with paving and landscaping, will take place throughout the weekend.

 

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