The Blackfoot River, downstream from Weigh Station Fishing Access Site, is open again due to a change in the timeline for the BNSF Railway bridge construction project.

The closure initially went into effect on Aug. 22 for public safety. After a closer look at the project requirements and timeline, BNSF decided to delay the project until next season.

BNSF now expects that the project will begin in mid-summer 2026, and it will take several months to complete. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will again propose to close the river from Weigh Station FAS to the Interstate 90 bridge piers (just above the confluence) to match the new construction timeline. FWP and BNSF will provide updates as the timeline is finalized.

FWP reminds recreationists that work continues on another BNSF Railway bridge, located just downstream of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork River confluence. This project prompted a site closure of the Milltown State Park Confluence parking area earlier this month that will continue through approximately the end of October.

The parking area is closed to vehicles, and public access to the Milltown Confluence Area is walk-in only through the overflow parking on Juniper Road. The first public access site downstream of the confluence on the Clark Fork River is Sha-Ron Fishing Access Site (FAS). Upstream on the Blackfoot River, Weigh Station FAS is the last takeout above the closed area.

Information on closures and restrictions are posted at some access sites along the river and updated online and in the news as situations change. Find the latest restriction and closure information here: fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.