North Dakota – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has announced the implementation of an idle speed only and navigational safety zone on the Missouri River near Bismarck-Mandan, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard. The new regulations are designed to protect boaters and construction crews as work begins on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad bridge project.
Set to take effect this summer, the safety zone will be enforced during the open water months and will restrict boat speeds near the active construction site. Boaters are required to maintain idle speed only within the designated area, which will be clearly marked with floating buoys.
The navigational channel, established to safely guide traffic through the construction zone, will be outlined with green and red buoys. In addition, “No Boats” buoys—equipped with yellow flashing lights for nighttime visibility—will be placed north and south of the active construction barges. Solid white “Idle Speed Only” buoys will signal the start of the speed-restricted zone and will remain visible and effective both day and night.
The restricted area stretches from the west bank of the river, north of the project staging area, across to the east bank. It then continues approximately 1,500 feet south along the east bank before looping back to the west bank. Multiple types of lighted buoys will help define the zone and ensure navigational safety for the public.
Officials are also encouraging users of paddlecraft, such as kayaks and canoes, to exit the river either upstream or downstream of the safety zone to avoid construction hazards.
Violating the restrictions associated with the regulatory buoys may result in a fine, as outlined in the North Dakota Administrative Code. The Game and Fish Department reminds all river users to exercise caution and comply with the posted regulations for the duration of the bridge construction project.
