Two Popular Missoula Streets Close to Replace Water Mains

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 8, 2023, the City of Missoula Public Works and Mobility Department will begin water main replacement projects on N. 2nd St. and Mount Ave. According to Public Works & Mobility Communications Specialist Lori Hart, both projects will require street closures to complete construction. 

“Detour routes have been established and will be clearly marked,” Hart said. “The water main work on N. 2nd St. will take place from Orange St. to an area west of the Spruce St. intersection. The project involves replacing approximately 2,643 feet of thin-walled pipe that was installed in 1914. The main is in poor condition and requires replacement.” 

Although the street will be closed to motorized vehicle traffic during construction, access to the area will be available for pedestrians and bicyclists on the north side of N. 2nd St. throughout construction. Work is expected to wrap up around September 20.  

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“The project on Mount Ave. will take place between Blaine and Crosby streets with some work being done in Thames St. Work includes replacing about 1,275 feet of 3- and 6-inch water main that was originally installed in 1941 and requires replacement,” Hart said. “Mount Ave. will be closed to through traffic, so detour signs will be posted to direct traffic around the construction area. The project is expected to be completed around July 3.”

The city encourages drivers to avoid both areas and to use alternate routes, when possible. Everyone traveling near the construction areas and along detour routes should do so slowly and cautiously. 

Hart said replacing these segments of pipe will reduce water leakage and improve water service reliability. In addition, replacing old, leaking water main pipes reduces Missoula Water’s energy usage and related costs because the pumps that move water through the pipes will not need to operate continuously to pump water that leaks from the system before reaching customers. 

For more project information and detour maps, visit here.