Drivers traveling through downtown Missoula should prepare for short traffic delays beginning Monday, Nov. 9 and lasting through Friday, Nov. 20. The City of Missoula, working with Jackson Contractor Group, will perform subsurface investigations—commonly called potholing or hydro‑excavation—along Higgins Avenue and nearby downtown corridors.

What the work entails

The hydro‑excavation process uses pressurized water to safely expose underground utilities without damaging them. Crews will operate Monday‑Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., locating and verifying the depth and condition of water, sewer, gas and communication lines before the larger Downtown Safety Access and Mobility (SAM) Project begins construction in 2027.

Impact on drivers and pedestrians

While the investigation is designed to minimize disruption, motorists can expect the following temporary adjustments:

• Short‑term lane closures on sections of Higgins Avenue, Front Street and Main Street.
• Parking restrictions near the work zones.
• Sidewalk detours and limited pedestrian access in affected blocks.
• Minor delays for vehicles traveling through the downtown core.

The City assures that emergency‑vehicle routes will remain open and that public‑transit service will continue uninterrupted.

Why the work matters

The SAM Project is a multi‑year effort aimed at improving safety, access and mobility in downtown Missoula. By completing these subsurface investigations now, the City can coordinate final designs, avoid costly utility conflicts and reduce future disruptions when construction begins next year.

How to stay informed

Residents and visitors can monitor real‑time road‑closure information on the City of Missoula’s online road‑closure map. The City also encourages drivers to slow down, obey posted signs and exercise extra caution around construction zones.

Business access

Access to downtown businesses will remain available throughout the project. Some merchants may experience brief adjustments to vehicle or pedestrian flow, but the City is working to keep storefronts reachable and to minimize impact on commerce.

Overall, the subsurface work is a proactive step toward a safer, more accessible downtown area. By planning ahead, Missoula can avoid larger traffic snarls when the full SAM Project gets underway in 2027.

Original reporting: NewsTalk KGVO 1290 (Townsquare) — read the source article.