Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project

River’s Edge Trail section closed Oct. 30 for paving

A section of the River’s Edge Trail along the south shore of the Missouri River, from the Caboose parking area east to Black Eagle Dam, will be closed Friday, Oct. 30 for paving.

The paving will mitigate impacts to the trail from heavy equipment used during NorthWestern Energy’s Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project. The closure is necessary for the safety of crews and the public while work is underway.

Trail users are asked to avoid the area during the closure. NorthWestern Energy appreciates the public’s cooperation.

Enhanced integrity of the Black Eagle Dam

The project involves installing new support structures and components of the spillway. The upgrade will improve the integrity of the dam. 

The spillway upgrade began in September 2024 and will be complete the end of this year.

Ice buildup removal will be eliminated

Ice buildup removal will be eliminated

The upgrade will eliminate the requirement to manually remove ice buildup, which is done during frigid temperatures by NorthWestern Energy hydro crews.

A barge is located upstream of Black Eagle Dam to transport materials and equipment for project work. 

River's Edge Trail closures

River's Edge Trail closures

A barge landing is located on the northside of the Missouri River, upstream from Black Eagle Dam. Vehicle access to the landing for supply and equipment deliveries crosses the River’s Edge Trail, west of the fenced entrance to the Black Eagle Island area.

The River’s Edge Trail at the vehicle access site may be closed at times for the safety of the public.

While intermittent, delayed use of the trail for up to an hour may occur without advance notice. In the event of intermittent delays, flaggers will be onsite to direct trail users to ensure the safety of the recreating public.

Metal plates are installed over the River’s Edge Trail at the vehicle access site to protect the trail.

When the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project is complete, the barge landing will be restored to the site’s original condition and the metal plates installed over the trail will be removed. 

 

For more information on this project, contact:

Shane Etzwiler

Community Relations Manager

NorthWestern Energy

shane.etzwiler@northwestern.com

 406-868-7508

Devin McCarthy

Project Engineer

NorthWestern Energy

devin.mccarthy@northwestern.com

406-497-3218