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The Blackfoot River, from Weigh Station Fishing Access Site downstream to the point where the river crosses under Interstate 90 (just above the confluence with the Clark Fork), is proposed to be closed for public safety beginning August 22. The BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) is working on railroad bridge pier repairs in this section.
The closure is expected to last through the fall season or until construction work has been completed and no longer presents a risk. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider the proposed closure at their August 21 meeting.
The BNSF construction project includes building a temporary work bridge, and the construction equipment and work will impact enough of the river to make passage through the area unsafe. The closure applies to all usage, such as floating, swimming, wading and fishing.
The project will also impact part of the Gateway Trail that connects the state park’s Confluence and Gateway areas. The trail will be open for a portion at both ends, but it will be closed in a middle section for equipment use, blocking complete passage between the two areas.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks notes that BNSF also began work on another railroad bridge earlier this month, just downstream of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork River confluence. This project prompted a site closure of the Milltown State Park Confluence parking area 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.
FWP encourages floaters to consider going to a slightly different area until construction for both of these railway bridge projects is complete. 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.
Closures are posted at access sites along the river and updated online and in the news as needed. FWP also announce the reopening once construction is complete and post an update online. Find the latest restriction and closure information here: fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.