NorthWestern Energy is partially closing the alley between 3rd Avenue South and 4th Avenue South, from 9th Street to 10th Street for natural gas infrastructure upgrades.

The closure begins July 27 and the alley will be partially closed as crews complete work in the area, which is expected to take several weeks, weather and construction conditions permitting.

This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of crews and the public as work continues to update natural gas infrastructure in the area.

Missouri River drawdown begins July 31 for NorthWestern’s Black Eagle Dam project

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution when traveling near the work zone and to follow all posted signage and directions from onsite personnel.

The work is part of a larger package of three natural gas infrastructure projects NorthWestern Energy began in June.

10th Street main installation project

• Crews will install a new natural gas pipeline to support future capacity and growth.
• The project also begins relocating existing infrastructure currently located on 9th Street.
• Work will take place along 10th Street from 4th Avenue South to 2nd Avenue North.
• Construction will be completed in sections of about 500 feet at a time.

9th Street North lane closure planned for June 15 as part of NorthWestern project

3rd Avenue South / 4th Avenue South alley project

• This project is coordinated with the 10th Street work.
• Crews will replace the existing natural gas main pipeline and some associated service natural gas pipelines.
• Work will occur in the alley between 3rd Avenue South and 4th Avenue South, from 10th Street South to the west side of 9th Street South.

5th Street North project

• Crews will upgrade an existing steel pipeline with a new plastic pipeline.
• All services connected to the line will also be updated.
• Work will occur in the alley between 2nd Avenue North and 1st Avenue North, from 6th Street North to the west side of 5th Street North.
• The project is expected to be completed by the first half of July.

Business Bites: Dairy Queen closing, replaced with Zesty Eatz; NorthWestern Energy projects; Mighty Mo Volleyball; new downtown bookshop; upcoming FWP events; Municipal Band summer series; NWGF, Family Promise receive grants; Scouts raise money for programs; new CMR girls basketball coach and more

Once completed, the natural gas work must be inspected as a requirement of the construction permit.

Once an inspector approves the work, the road or alleys will be repaired, which is also a requirement of the permit, according to Jo Dee Black, NorthWestern spokeswoman.

The projects, including road and alley restoration, are scheduled to be completed by this fall, she said.