Access site to be closed in September

The northernmost boat ramp at the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site will be closed from Sept. 4, through Sept. 15, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

The site is on the Flathead River on Montana 82 between Somers and Bigfork.

Core drilling will be performed in the river on the downstream side of Sportsman’s Bridge. Drilling is part of the analysis to eventually replace Sportsman’s Bridge with a new bridge — a project tentatively scheduled for summer 2016.

The southern ramp will remain open.

Boaters should use caution around barge and drilling equipment stationed in and traveling across the water. Drilling work will be performed during daylight hours but the barge will remain anchored on the river 24 hours a day.