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Great Falls works with BNSF on interim controls at Fourth Street NE access to wastewater plant
Summary
City Manager Greg Doyne told commissioners the city will add 'authorized vehicles only' controls and block an adjacent parking lot while BNSF posts no‑trespassing signage at the Fourth Street NE crossing; a permanent gated crossing could be designed later and would be city‑funded if built.
City Manager Greg Doyne told the City Commission on Aug. 19 that the city and BNSF Railroad are coordinating an interim plan to limit public access where Fourth Street NE crosses railroad tracks near the wastewater treatment plant.
Doyne said BNSF will install no‑trespassing signage along the crossing and the city plans to complement that with signage and physical controls restricting the area to authorized vehicles and by blocking a nearby parking lot. The measures aim to reduce unauthorized park access while the railroad’s expansion and the feasibility of a gated crossing are evaluated.
“BNSF has basically acknowledged that it’s going to take a little while to design a gate system,” Doyne said, adding the city would likely fund any gate construction if it’s ultimately required. He described the approach as an interim step while the city and railroad work through design and permitting.
Doyne said the interim plan will limit public access to that portion of the park and that staff will report back to the commission as the project develops. He acknowledged the city’s need to preserve access to the wastewater plant and cited continued discussions about maintenance access and permitting with BNSF.
Next steps: staff will monitor the interim controls, seek community feedback, and return with more detailed designs and cost estimates for any permanent crossing improvements.
