Council hears updates on water leaks, Beach Street sinkhole and a closed Hernando Street after box-bridge bids came in over $50,000

City staff told the Helena City Council on Jan. 28 that crews are addressing a string of water leaks across the city, reported a major road collapse on Beach Street tied to a water main failure, and said bids for a box bridge repair on Hernando Street exceeded $50,000 and would be revisited.

The council was briefed that crews repaired an urgent leak at 414 West Park and were preparing to address two additional leaks on Sam and Ashley streets. Staff said the Paradise Cove leak has been the subject of persistent public reports and that the work order dated from September required follow-up. A staff member said treated water could be smelled at one leak site, indicating potable water loss at the main break. ‘‘We are fairly much under control,’’ a staff member said, adding that more formal reporting could be provided at a future meeting.

On Beach Street, staff described an area where a main break left a hole ‘‘as big as that council section in the road’’ and said repairing the main is one step; reinstating the road surface will be a larger cost. For Hernando Street, staff said a closed section of street (between Russell and West Park) remains closed and that box-bridge bids returned above $50,000, prompting staff to revisit options and return to the council in a few weeks.

Why it matters: City water leaks and major main breaks affect service reliability, road safety and repair costs. Councilors asked for a more formal update on the scope and status of repairs.

Next steps: Staff offered to bring a formal status report from utilities at the next meeting; councilors asked staff to provide details on outstanding work orders and the financial implications for road restoration.

Ending: No formal action was taken on repairs or emergency funding at the Jan. 28 meeting; staff said they would return with a formal report.