They say there are two seasons in Montana — winter and construction season — and Lakeside’s residents are eager for winter.  

The Lakeside County Water and Sewer District has been tackling an overhaul of the community’s wastewater collection and treatment system since early August to replace aging infrastructure and expand capacity in preparation for the planned Territory 1889 development south of Lakeside. Discovery Land Company, the developer behind the project, is paying for the improvements.  

The project is now 75% complete despite delays that have caused challenges for residents, according to the district. Two of the most complex portions of the construction have been successfully completed.  

“We want you to know that we hear you, understand your frustrations, and recognize the impact this project has had on your daily lives,” the district wrote in a statement acknowledging the challenges surrounding the project. “Ongoing construction, traffic disruptions, changing schedules, and delays have created significant challenges for residents, businesses, and those traveling through affected areas. We recognize that this project has not progressed as smoothly as anticipated and understand your frustration.” 

Most recently, Bills Road was closed beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20 for sewer bypass work and sewer replacement, according to an alert from the district. Business access will be maintained by a detour via Brass Road and Adams Street. The road will be temporarily reopened by the end of the day on Friday, Oct. 30 and remain open through the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 4 to allow access to the official polling location at the Quick Response Unit for Election Day.  

All remaining construction and permanent asphalt restoration are scheduled for anticipated completion by the end of November, according to the district, which has received concerns that the roadways will not be restored before the arrival of winter weather and seasonal asphalt plant closures.  

“We are hopeful that the remaining work will progress more predictably,” the district wrote. “However, construction schedules can change, and we want to communicate anticipated timelines responsibly rather than make assurances that could be affected by unforeseen circumstances.” 

Improvements include enlarging key gravity sewer mains, increasing force main capacity, replacing three existing lift stations and expanding the system to the south. Since August, this has resulted in traffic diversions on US 93 between Adams Street and Stoner Street and Blacktail Road. Bierney Creek Road was not accessible from US 93, and Stoner Creek Road was closed for a time.  

Sign up for alerts from Lakeside County Water and Sewer District at lcwsd.com. Weekly updates regarding planned closures and construction are posted at rpa-eng.com/ongoing-projects/lcwsd-collections/ 

Reporter Elsa Ericksen can be reached at 406-758-4459 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.