Residents of Readers Village should plan for a significant detour starting around March 25, when Carriage Lane — the neighborhood's main entrance — closes for up to three weeks.

Public Works Director Leland told the Helena City Commission the closure is tied to an ARPA-funded project that will connect Hail Reservoir to the Readers Village pump station and decommission the existing aging pump station. Detour traffic will move through Howy Street and Adam Street. Leland warned that residents along Benton Avenue should expect a noticeable increase in through traffic during the closure.

Before the lane closes, the contractor will make three door-to-door contact attempts with each Readers Village household. Emergency vehicles, fire trucks, and solid waste trucks will retain access through the closure area. Howy Bridge weight limits will prevent those larger vehicles from using the detour route.

The Mount Helena trailhead in the area will technically remain open, but the city is encouraging trail users to use alternate trailheads during construction. Leland noted the project could wrap up in less than three weeks if crews encounter less rock than anticipated.