The City of Missoula Public Works & Mobility Utilities Division will begin construction on the Woodford Street Water Main Replacement Project on June 29, 2026 (conditions permitting). The project will replace aging water infrastructure along Woodford Street as part of Missoula Water's ongoing water main replacement program, which proactively replaces water mains, reduces water loss from leaks, and helps maintain reliable water service for Missoula residents and businesses.
What to expect
- To safely complete the work, sections of Woodford Street will be closed to through traffic within the construction area.
- Construction is scheduled to continue through October 15 and will be completed in a series of phases to reduce community impacts and maintain access throughout the project area.
- Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should expect temporary street and alley closures, signed detours, intermittent parking restrictions, and increased construction activity within active work zones.
- Access to homes, businesses, and properties will be maintained whenever feasible.
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Phased traffic management
The phased traffic control plan for this project has been designed to maintain neighborhood access while minimizing impacts to residents, businesses, emergency responders, and school transportation.
- Phase 1: Woodford Street between Florence Avenue and South 6th Street West
- Phase 2: Myrtle Street between South 5th Street West and South 6th Street West
- Phase 3: Myrtle Street and South 6th Street West intersection improvements
- Phase 4: Myrtle Street between South 4th Street West and South 5th Street West
Key elements of the traffic control plan include
- Advance warning message boards installed at major approaches to the project area at least three business days before 6th Street closure. The project phases have been planned to minimize the duration of the 6th Street closure.
- Clearly signed detour routes directing drivers to North Avenue and other alternate routes.
- Dedicated truck route detours to help keep heavy vehicles on appropriate streets.
- Temporary traffic control that will shift as construction progresses through different segments of the project.
- Continued access to businesses and properties whenever feasible throughout construction.
Safety and community coordination
- The City has coordinated extensively with the emergency response services, local schools, transportation providers, and other community partners to ensure emergency response routes remain available and students can continue to travel safely through the area during construction.
- Attention has been given to pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, business access, and community parking impacts.
Why this work matters
Many of the water mains serving this area are approaching the end of their useful life. Replacing them now will help prevent future water main breaks, reduce emergency repairs, improve water system efficiency, and provide more reliable service for customers.
"As community members we understand construction can be disruptive, and we appreciate the continued patience of our fellow Missoulians as we complete these critical infrastructure improvements," said Andy Schultz, City Engineer for Utilities. "Proactively replacing aging water mains now helps avoid future service disruptions and supports a more reliable water system for Missoula residents and businesses."
Stay informed
For the safety of the workers and the community, please drive slowly and use caution near the construction zone, and use an alternate route. To view current road closures, visit missoulamaps-cityofmissoula.hub.arcgis.com.
