Carriage Lane, the main entrance road into the Readers Village neighborhood, will close starting March 25 for approximately three weeks as crews work on an ARPA-funded infrastructure project. Public Works Director Leland told the Helena City Commission this week that the project will connect Hail Reservoir to the Readers Village pump station, allowing the existing aging pump station to be taken offline. During the closure, traffic will be rerouted through Howy Street and Adam Street.

The contractor will make three door-to-door contact attempts with every Readers Village household before work begins and will also notify residents along Benton Avenue, which is expected to see increased traffic as a result of the detour. A trailhead near the project area will remain technically accessible but residents are being encouraged to use alternate trailheads during construction to reduce congestion and safety concerns.

Emergency vehicles, fire trucks, solid waste trucks, and delivery vehicles will be allowed limited access through the Howy Bridge despite posted weight restrictions, with contractor assistance provided as needed. Leland described the three-week timeline as a worst-case estimate, saying crews hope to finish sooner, but acknowledged the possibility of encountering unexpected rock formations that could extend the project. Readers Village residents with questions can contact the city's Public Works Department.