Construction Starting in Missoula on Monday: Where You Can and Can’t Drive

The City of Missoula will start road construction projects on Monday that may impact travel for residents.

All three projects will be water main replacements, and the City estimates that current water mains were installed in some places almost 100 years ago. In total, almost 6,000 linear feet of water main pipes will be replaced. The major benefit of all three projects is that the improvements will help to prevent leaks.

Below are the three projects with specifics about where the work will be done, the estimated completion date, and any detour information.

Start Date: April 1, 2024

Project 1: E. Front St. (Madison St to Van Buren St) 

This street passes behind several businesses on E. Broadway and gives front-of-business access to places like the Double Tree Hotel and Big Sky Bikes, but business access shouldn't be affected according to the project, and detours will be posted.

The work should not affect traffic on E. Broadway or access to the footbridge. While detours will be posted, sticking to the main thoroughfares should help with traffic in this area.

Approximate Completion: August 15

Project 2: W. Pine St. (Owen St to Woody St)

This is another street that avoids major thoroughfares but does provide access to several businesses and establishments like St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Tire-Rama, Revo Training, Good Medicine, as well as local law firms, and the Mountain Line bus terminal is just on the other side of Woody St.

The work should not affect traffic on N. Orange Street but the condition of the main has been described as being in "very poor condition." While the project details don't mention detours, using parallel side streets like Spruce St. may help.

Approximate Completion: June

Project: 3: Edith Street (Mount Ave to E Crosby St) 

This project area is largely residential, so the city has provided several maps with recommended detours. The first detour sends people to Stephens Ave. and Mount Ave. so major thoroughfares may see increased traffic. This detour will take place from April through May.

The next detour will send drivers to E. Addison St. and E. Crosby St. effective May through June.

READ MORE: Getting to Know Missoula's Neighborhoods

The last detour will send drivers to E Bickford St. and W Beckwith Ave effective June through July.

Approximate Completion: July 31