Work on NorthWestern Energy’s Black Eagle Dam enhancement project is underway.
The project was announced last year and a barge landing was installed on the northside of the Missouri River, upstream from the dam, so a barge can deliver equipment and materials to crews on the dam for the project.
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.
NorthWestern Energy holding meeting for public input on river recreation in Great Falls [2024]
The spillway upgrade was initially set to begin in September and take two years to complete, according to NWE.
In October, JoDee Black, spokeswoman for NWE, told The Electric that the company is finalizing a contract with the general contractor this week for the project and work is expected to begin in the spring.
Recently, crews have removed the boat restraint barrier that is typically installed 500 feet above Black Eagle Dam to allow access for the barge and construction materials.
Barge will be on Missouri for Black Eagle Dam project [2024]
The barrier will not be replaced until the project is completed and paddlers, boaters and other users should exercise caution when recreating on the water above Black Eagle Dam. Those recreating on the water should stay out of the area directly above the dam.
Last week, North River Road adjacent to the Black Eagle Powerhouse and associated section of the River’s Edge Trail was closed while a barge anchor structure was installed and the road was closed from the barge landing site east of NWE’s Great Falls office at 1501 North River Road to Black Eagle Memorial Island Park. The trail was also closed adjacent to the barge landing site while a crane that will be used for the work was assembled on the road, then moved to the barge landing site.
Portion of River’s Edge Trail to close for bank stabilization project
This week, crews and equipment will be on and near the trail on the southside of the river upstream of Black Eagle Dam, installing a barge anchor. Trail users may experience short delays as equipment and material cross the trail for the work.
Then equipment and materials to construct the barge that will carry the crane used for the project will be delivered to the barge landing site off North River Road.
Trail users are asked to watch for flaggers and are advised that they may experience short delays as equipment and material cross the trail for the work.
NWE installed the barge landing with the intention of it being removed once the project is completed.
Black told The Electric in October that since it’s been installed, there’s been some interest in maintaining it longterm for river recreation, but that would require more discussion and would not be a factor until the project is completed.
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 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.
