Public Works Director Leland announced at the March 23 City Commission meeting that Carriage Lane will close starting approximately March 25 for up to three weeks as part of an ARPA-funded project to connect Hail Reservoir to the Readers Village pump station and decommission the aging pump station. The closure will eliminate the main entrance to Readers Village during construction.

Traffic will be rerouted via Howy Street and Adam Street. Residents along Benton Avenue were warned to expect increased traffic as a result. The contractor will make three door-to-door visits to notify Readers Village residents in advance of the closure. Emergency services, fire trucks, and solid waste vehicles will retain access through Howy Bridge despite posted weight restrictions, with coordination managed by the contractor.

The Mount Helena trailhead in the area will technically remain open, but Leland encouraged the public to use alternative trailheads during the construction period. The timeline could be shorter than three weeks if crews encounter less rock than anticipated.