Red Lodge Sewer Main Collapse Found This Evening
Collapse located, repairs to begin in the morning, expect traffic detours Thursday
By Denise Rivette (updated May 15, 9:30 p.m.)
Wednesday evening a collapse in a Red Lodge sewer main in the southeast corner of town was identified by Red Lodge Public Works personnel. The areas that may be affected are estimated to be south of 15th Street and east of Platt Avenue. Residents who may be impacted are being identified and contacted. Repairs will begin first thing Thursday morning and are expected to be completed the same day.
Update as of 9:30 p.m. May 15
A maximum of 30 homes were potentially impacted. As of this time, no one was seeing sewer problems in their home.
The Map Below Shows Homes That May Be Affected
Residents within the potentially affected area are asked to avoid optional usage of water (e.g. dishwashers and washing machines). If you notice anything unusual with your sewer, please call the City at 406-446-1606. Water is a separate system and water quality will not be affected by this event.
Other residents are asked to avoid the area to allow Public Works personnel to complete repairs as quickly and safely as possible.
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting a preliminary engineering report was approved to begin the process of implementing long term repairs and maintenance of the city’s sewer system, including areas impacted by the flood. The stormwater project that will increase Red Lodge property tax bills is also expected to dramatically decrease the pressure on the City’s waste water system. Once the stormwater project and sewer system upgrades are complete, Red Lodge can look forward to generations of reliable sewer service.
Updates on this situation will be provided as received. An article on the storm water project and the scope of the approved preliminary engineering report are forthcoming.
Article Updating The Situation
Sewer Main Collapse Repairs In Process and On Schedule
By Denise Rivette Red Lodge Public Works is diligently working to repair the sewer main collapse discovered last evening. They have located and accessed the break and are now in the process of removing the excess water so they can start repairs. They are still hoping to have repairs completed today. There have so far been no reports of sewage backing up into houses. Public Works Director Mike Maples and the entire crew are committed to repairing this as quickly as possible. To help them, please avoid the area so they can work as quickly and safely as possible.
Sewer Service Restored to Affected Areas of Red Lodge
By Denise Rivette While the work will finish tomorrow, residents in Red Lodge can resume normal water usage now. Mayor Dave Westwood beamed as he gave “Kudos to the Public Works team for their quick response to rapidly identify and address the immediate concern posed by the collapsed sewer line. Throughout the process they were safe, professional, and coordinated with all of the appropriate agencies. The public may safely resume normal service even while the team continues to complete the repairs."