How is the Downtown Safety, Access, and Mobility (Downtown SAM) project currently impacting Downtown Missoula?

Recently, safety improvements led to the creation of two parking spots on Higgins!  

One of our City Engineers explained that crews were able to remove an unnecessary fire hydrant as part of the planning for future construction.  Even though the fire hydrant has already been removed, to properly abandon the facility, crews will need to dig down at the main and disconnect the hydrant lead pipe. They're flagging this project for the future to be completed when construction begins on the Downtown SAM project. So what does that mean?  

• Fewer interruptions to traffic and downtown businesses.
• Hydrants with better water pressure are available at both ends of the block and can be used for fire suppression. 
• It brings at least two much-needed on-street parking spaces to downtown. 
• The Downtown SAM project is creating the opportunity to complete other, much-needed city projects that improve Downtown Missoula.  

Our thanks to Missoula Fire, Utility Engineering, and Missoula Water for these improvements!  

Visit the improved Downtown SAM page on Engage Missoula to learn more about the project.