Billings Public Works announced that Zimmerman Trail will close Monday, November 9, at 8:30 a.m. and remain shut through November 30, including the Thanksgiving holiday. The closure covers the stretch between Rimrock Road and Highway 3, a route used daily by more than 13,000 drivers traveling between the West End and the Heights.
According to KTVQ, the shutdown allows contractors to stabilize a large rock shelf that juts over the roadway. An engineering firm, TerraCon, identified an approximately 70‑linear‑foot‑wide segment showing signs of undermining and stress cracking that could pose a rock‑fall hazard to the road and homes below. Crews will drill about 20 feet into the rock, install steel anchors, grout them in place, and add shotcrete and cable “suspenders” to keep the formation secure. The work will be finished with dyed shotcrete to blend with the surrounding Rims.
KULR8 reported that the project was bid in September and that the three‑week window gives the contractor flexibility while keeping workers and the public safe. Billings Public Works is also using the closure to perform other maintenance, including guard‑rail repairs and geotechnical drilling for a separate project.
Local businesses expect the closure to affect foot traffic. Sam Brewer, an employee at Ace Hardware Boutique, said the detour could add significant time to his commute from Shepherd, potentially causing late pickups for his son. Amy Piercy, also at the boutique, warned that fewer drivers passing through Zimmerman Trail may reduce spontaneous customers, a key source of revenue for the shop.
Billings Public Works urged drivers to plan ahead, use alternate routes, and allow extra travel time. “We realize it’s an inconvenience for everyone,” said project manager Will Robbins, who emphasized that the work aims to make the roadway safer for motorists and residents below.
What’s next: The city expects to reopen Zimmerman Trail as soon as possible after the November 30 deadline, pending final safety inspections. Drivers should monitor Billings Public Works updates for any changes to the schedule or additional detour information.
