Siphon Cleaning Begins August 24 on Manitoba Street E/Manitoba Expressway
August 20, 2026
MOOSE JAW, SK – The City of Moose Jaw advises that traffic restrictions will be in place on a portion of Manitoba Street E/Manitoba Expressway for siphon cleaning beginning on August 24, 2026.
Crews will be conducting this work on Manitoba Street E/Manitoba Expressway between 2nd Avenue NE and 9th Avenue NE starting on Monday, August 24, 2026, with work anticipated to continue through September 2, 2026, subject to site conditions and operational requirements.
Traffic restrictions will be in place in the immediate work area to accommodate bypass piping and equipment, and while motorists may experience minor delays, access is expected to be maintained throughout the project. There will be a lane closure for westbound traffic (north side lane) on the Manitoba Expressway, and a road closure for eastbound traffic (though eastbound traffic will still be able to travel past the area via a detour to Manitoba Street E).
The City reminds the public to remain outside of the barricades and follow all temporary signage for the safety of everyone. No more #NotoriouslyClose calls.
What Is a Siphon and Why Does it Need Cleaning?
A siphon is a section of sanitary sewer infrastructure that carries wastewater beneath the river. There are two pipeline sections that run beneath the Moose Jaw River at this location, and routine cleaning helps ensure their continued, efficient operation.
What Does This Cleaning Involve?
Wastewater that typically flows through the siphon will be temporarily diverted via a bypass pumping system through overland pipes to a downstream manhole, and the siphon will be taken out of service. Crews will then flush and clean the pipes that run beneath the Moose Jaw River, removing accumulated debris in accordance with City of Moose Jaw standards and environmental regulations.
After cleaning, a CCTV inspection will be completed, which will allow assessment of the infrastructure’s condition and identification of any future maintenance or rehabilitation that may be necessary.
This work supports the City’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, specifically the strategic priority of Financial Responsibility and Transparent Governance, by performing regular maintenance and inspections to maximize the service life of existing infrastructure and inform future maintenance and capital project planning and budgeting.
If you have a concern, please use the ‘Report an Issue’ function on the City’s website or the free City of Moose Jaw app.