OMAHA, Neb. – The Williston Resource Office and Williston Levee will close to public access for the duration of scheduled repairs to the flood control structure.
The closures will take place on Tuesday, May 29, and remain in effect until the completion of the repair project – currently anticipated as Aug. 15.
The entire levee, including the north portion, will be closed to all activities including walking, jogging and biking. Security will be present, and the levee and associated parking lots will be fenced off.
Due to the large amount of earth work, construction and heavy equipment involved with this $11.7 million project, the closure is being enforced for public safety. The levee and associated recreation path will reopen to the public when the construction work is complete.
The Williston Resource Office will be open by appointment only during the construction period.
During the Flood of 2011, the Williston Levee sustained significant damage. The levee is a federally constructed flood control project south of the city. The project was designed to reduce the risk of flooding for low lying areas of the city from backwater effects from Lake Sakakawea, the reservoir for Garrison Dam. The project runs roughly 6 miles east along the left bank of the Missouri River to the confluence of the Little Muddy Creek, where it extends north for approximately two miles.
The work being performed includes restoring the levee crest to an approximate elevation of 1862-1863 above sea level. The levee will be seeded for grass. This will return the levee to its pre-flood status and level of flood risk reduction. Additionally, the access road will be resurfaced.
The closure will not affect the east side of the Little Muddy River.
The public is encouraged to take advantage of alternate trails, including the White Bridge Walking and Bike Path north of the Little Muddy River.
For regular updates on the repair efforts to flood control structures in the Missouri River Basin, visit the Omaha District’s Flood 2011 Repairs web page at http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/op-e/srt.html.