Construction will periodically close Highway 12 west of Helena for the next few weeks.
Construction crews are installing a new 36-inch PVC water main for the City of Helena, but have hit large portions of rock that need blasted.
Travelers should anticipate up to 30-minute delays on weekdays between Rimini Road and Thunder Road.
Missouri River Contractors President Steven Burch said they plan on only blasting twice a day between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The new main will replace an almost century-old set of three twelve-inch steel pipes.
“It should actually help improve the quality of the water and this is a stretch of line the city has had a lot of maintenance issues with so it should help improve the reliability of the source of the city as well,” said Burch.
Construction is anticipated to run until around May 17, depending on the weather.
Burch wanted to thank people for their patience and understanding while work is being done.
Questions about the project can be directed to Missouri River Contractors at 406-443-2524.
-Reported by John Riley/MTN News
