NorthWestern Energy is launching a major project to upgrade the spillway of the Black Eagle Dam on the Missouri River, to enhance the safety and reliability of the hydroelectric facility.

The project involves installing new support structures and components of the spillway to improve the integrity of the dam, and eliminate the need for manual ice removal, which is currently performed by NorthWestern hydro crews during frigid temperatures.

Power line work closes portion of River’s Edge Trail

The spillway upgrade will begin in September 2024 and take two years to complete, according to Northwestern.

A barge will be located upstream of Black Eagle Dam to transport materials and equipment for the project and a barge landing is located on the north side of the Missouri River, upstream from Black Eagle Dam, according to the company.

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.

NorthWestern Energy upgrades to affect traffic on portion of 10th Avenue South [2023]

The River’s Edge Trail may be closed at times at the vehicle access point to transport equipment and materials across the trail.

While intermittent, delayed use of the trail for up to an hour may occur without advance notice. Any longer-term, planned closures will be posted here. In the event of intermittent delays, flaggers will be onsite to direct trail users to ensure the safety of the recreating public, according to Northwestern.

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, according to Northwestern.