What's Up with All the Big Black Pipes in Downtown Billings?

We first encountered what I refer to as "the big black pipes" a couple of weeks ago when we were circling the block down by the Depot, trying to find a parking spot on Montana Avenue.

12" pipe runs through a downtown Billings alley. Michael Foth, TSM

"What in the heck", I commented to my spouse, as I slowly drove over the odd little bridge device that allows water to flow under passing vehicle traffic. As I turned back around on the next block, we encountered the 12" big black pipe again.

This week, the project has moved further west, where the big black pipe now snakes across our parking lot at the DoubleTree on Montana Ave and cuts up on 27th Street. My car is fairly low-clearance and I have to creep over the pipe crossing things or I'll scrape the bottom of my car. Isn't that the worst sound ever?

Look out for the pipe at the Pub Station. Michael Foth, TSM

A 2023 City Sewer upgrade.

The downtown portion is just one of many neighborhoods where sewer mains are being updated. You can see the weekly progress report HERE. Currently, crews are working in Zone 3 (Burlington Ave area), Zone 4 (Montana Ave alley), and Zone 5 (South 40th St area). Construction will also impact a portion of N 27th Street this week.

Construction on N 26th St, Billings. Michael Foth, TSM

Expect minor inconveniences during the updates.

The city reminds residents or businesses in the impacted areas that garbage cans may need to be relocated. You may have to park in a different spot during construction, and you may be asked to ration water for two to eight hours when crews reconnect your lines.