BONNER, Mont. — Construction is set to begin this summer on the Blackfoot River railroad bridge near Bonner, as BNSF Railway Company and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) partner to implement a new design that enhances safety and preserves the surrounding environment.

The project centers on removing one of the bridge piers and replacing it with a hybrid design that uses overlapping grout-filled bags and strategically placed riprap to reinforce the riverbed and protect the structure.

This update comes as part of a broader effort to maintain infrastructure while being mindful of Montana’s sensitive river ecosystems. “The design is intended to provide a safe riverbed for visitors and wildlife alike,” MDT said. Officials emphasized that despite the structural improvements, “construction will not affect aquatic habitats.”

Work crews will be active in and around the Blackfoot River bridge area throughout the summer. Activity will be especially visible near the bridge piers and on the south side of the river, where stabilization efforts will be most intensive.

Recreational impacts are expected to begin in August and could last several weeks, temporarily limiting river access or altering usual recreation patterns. The MDT encourages anyone planning river activities to stay updated on construction timelines and safety advisories.

While short-term inconveniences may arise, officials say the long-term benefits of the project include improved durability of the rail infrastructure and a safer, more stable river environment. “This collaboration between BNSF and MDT reflects our commitment to both transportation safety and natural resource protection,” a spokesperson for MDT added.

For more information, updates, and interactive project maps, visit the Montana Department of Transportation’s website.

Originally reported by Briana Henderson in NBC Montana.