Local News

Submitted Photo
A restriction sign is posted near the location of erosion prevention construction occurring on Lake Sakakawea’s east shoreline.

RIVERDALE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed the east shoreline area of Lake Sakakawea near the Garrison Dam spillway gates to all recreational activities through the end of the 2026 construction season while construction is being done to help stabilize and protect the bank from erosion. The construction is expected to last until about Nov. 15, depending on weather and operational conditions.

A contractor hired by the Corps is sloping the bank and placing riprap, or large rock, along about 1,200 feet of the shoreline and will be dredging along the toe of the east bank and about 150 feet in front of the spillway gates.

The closure is necessary to protect the public and provide a safe work area while these activities are underway. Recreation users are asked to respect all posted closure areas, barriers and construction restrictions and to avoid entering active construction zones.

The project is expected to resume next spring and continue throughout the 2027 construction season.