On June 24, 2023, Montana Rail Link’s bridge spanning the Yellowstone River near Reed Point collapsed as the railroad’s Laurel to Missoula freight crossed it, sending ten cars into the drink and closing MRL’s main line to thru traffic. During the closure, MRL operated a series of daily trains over the western portion of the railroad to shuttle cars and serve its on line customers. On Winston Hill during the stormy afternoon of July 6, 2023, the sun pops out and illuminates MRL’s turn, operating from Helena to Bozeman and return, charging past milepost 215 as it heads west to Helena Yard.
