Billings Public Works announced that Zimmerman Trail will be closed for the next three weeks while crews stabilize a cliffside rock formation that poses a potential hazard to the roadway and the residences beneath it. The closure affects the direct route between the West End and the Heights, a corridor used by more than 13,000 drivers each day.
Engineering assessment and work plan
Over the past year the city partnered with engineering firm TerraCon to assess the stability of the rock shelf above the road. TerraCon identified an approximately 70‑linear‑foot‑wide segment showing signs of undermining and stress cracking that could lead to rockfall onto the highway and nearby homes.
In September the city bid the stabilization project and selected a contractor to perform the work. Crews will drill about 20 feet into the rock, install steel anchors, grout them in place, and attach steel plates to the front of the segment. A cable system will act like a suspenders‑type support, and shotcrete—dyed to blend with the surrounding Rims—will be applied as a final protective layer.
Safety and timeline
Project manager Will Robbins said the work is designed to mitigate a hazard that could affect both motorists and residents. “When it would move or when it’s going to fall, no one could really say,” Robbins explained, “but the engineering study identified the area with the highest potential for future movement, so we are addressing it now.”
The three‑week window gives the contractor flexibility while keeping workers and the public safe. Robbins added that the project could finish sooner if conditions allow. “We’ll get it opened up as soon as possible. I realize it’s an inconvenience for everyone,” he said.
Additional maintenance during closure
The city will use the shutdown to complete other routine maintenance, reducing the need for future disruptions. Planned tasks include repairing a guardrail that drivers have struck and conducting geotechnical drilling for a separate, undisclosed project.
Impact on commuters and local businesses
Local residents and business owners expressed concern about the added travel time. Sam Brewer, an employee at Ace Hardware Boutique, said the detour could push his commute past the time he needs to pick up his son in Shepherd. “I’m really nervous that it’s going to be a few late nights getting there,” he said.
Amy Piercy, who works at the boutique, noted that the shop relies heavily on foot traffic from drivers using Zimmerman Trail. “We probably won’t get as many people who just happen to drive by and decide to stop in,” she said. Both Brewer and Piercy said the city had advertised the closure well in advance, allowing many drivers to plan alternate routes, though the full impact may not be felt until the road is shut.
Looking ahead
Billings officials emphasized that the stabilization effort is a proactive measure to protect the community and preserve a vital transportation link. By addressing the rock hazard now, the city aims to avoid more serious incidents and costly emergency repairs in the future.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
