Helena to bring infrastructure, roadway improvements this summer

HELENA, Mont.- The city has their construction plans mapped out this summer to improve infrastructure and roadways around town.

Here's what you can expect. for upcoming infrastructure projects.

Some of the bigger projects happening this summer are the Cross-Town Connector Valve Replacement where the city will look to replace and add isolation and air/vacuum release valves on the existing cross-town connector water transmission main.

citizens can see different construction areas mainly in the southern to higher reaches of the city.

Next officials plan to repair and upgrade the lower portion of the city of Helena's Red Mountain Flume which is the raw water supply.

Then the Reeder’s Village subdivision can expect work to be done to connect Hale Reservoir up to Reeder’s Village and get the lift station offline.

These projects are funded through about a $15.5 million arpa grant.

In two weeks, the transfer station entrance will be reconstructed to allow a new recycling drop off, improve traffic flow and to add a tipping floor, this project will cost $500,000 to get done.

Then the city plans to add a cast in place, a trenchless technology that will be installed in various areas in Helena. Also, the city will wrap up a stormwater project in the downtown area that will cause an odor when work begins in July.

These projects will cost about $2 million through ratepayer funds.

Ryan Leland, the city public works director said it’s crucial to get these projects done to save on the city’s maintenance, operation and capacity.

“We need to really stay up on this or we’re going to have more blow outs for water mains. That’s the big thing is breaks or we’re going to have back up in sewage because you’re going to have them either collapse or you’re going to have blockages so if we don’t stay up on it you’re going to see bigger catastrophic projects or emergencies to come in there and fix them,” said Leland.

There’s the annual chip seal projects and Mill in Overway Program to occur in different areas of Helena. Both projects are funded through the city’s annual preservation fund.

A project that’s been going on for decades is the railroad elimination grant. Right now, about $4 million are going into exploration efforts to collect data, evaluate feasibility of an overpass or underpass in conjunction with an enhanced intersection.

The city has partnered with BNSF Railway Co. and the Montana Department of Transportation to kick off this project.

David Knoepke, Helena transportation system director, said it’s a big deal to see this project gain some traction to help overcome its current challenges.

“It's not only a barrier for the citizens getting stuck at the railroad crossing, but it’s a huge barrier for our emergency services. They have to be around that because they typically don’t know when the trains are coming. So they already made plans to go around it. But to be able to go direct is always the best,” said Knoepke.

Both Leland and Knoepke understand these projects will be an inconvenience for the public, but they do appreciate their input and patience as construction will begin soon.