A portion of Helena Flats Road will be closed for a few days next week while a new traffic light is installed.

According to information from LHC, Inc., crews will be installing a full traffic light at the junction of Montana 35 and Helena Flats Road, which will result in the closure of Helena Flats Road from the junction to East Evergreen Road on Monday, May 7, and Tuesday, May 8.

The road will only be closed during the day, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Detour signs for those affected by the closure will be posted in the area.

According to Curtis Buckley, a Montana Department of Transportation representative from the Kalispell office, the light is being installed because of a high volume of crashes at the intersection.

Buckley also said many drivers on Helena Flats find it difficult to make a left turn on to Montana 35.

Buckley also explained that there will be some additional work in the area to realign Swan Mountain Drive with Helena Flats Road. While an exact date for that project isn’t yet known, Buckley said it will begin soon after the traffic light work is finished.

The realignment work is expected to be completed by the middle of June.

He said the traffic light installation will be the biggest impact to drivers in that area.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.