The River’s Edge Trail on the north and south shores near Black Eagle Dam will be closed Dec. 16.

The closure is needed so crews can safely use heavy equipment to pour concrete and move materials as part of the Black Eagle Dam spillway project.

The project includes installing new support structures and spillway components to strengthen the dam and improve safety.

River’s Edge Trail closed Dec. 10 near Black Eagle Da

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.

Portion of River’s Edge Trail, road closed Nov. 5 for dam project

The spillway upgrade was initially set to begin in September and take two years to complete, according to NWE.

In October 2024, JoDee Black, spokeswoman for NWE, told The Electric that the company was finalizing a contract with the general contractor the project and work was expected to begin in the spring.

Earlier this spring, crews removed the boat restraint barrier that is typically installed 500 feet above Black Eagle Dam to allow access for the barge and construction materials.

Portion of River’s Edge Trail closed this week for Black Eagle Dam project

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.

In March, North River Road adjacent to the Black Eagle Powerhouse and associated sections of the River’s Edge Trail were 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.

NWE installed the barge landing with the intention of it being removed once the project is completed.

Barge will be on Missouri for Black Eagle Dam project [2024]

Black told The Electric in October 2024 that since the barge had been installed, there’d 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.

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.