The Bull Lake Road’s reputation for traffic incidents remains intact after a tractor trailer hauling a water treatment center lost its over-sized load Tuesday afternoon.

The vehicle was headed south on Highway 56 when the piece of equipment fell off the flatbed trailer. The road, which was damaged, was fully blocked before a South End tow truck was able to move the treatment center to the south bound lane.

Traffic was able to navigate around the tank when it blocked both lanes via a pullout near the Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club boat dock property.

Thompson Contracting arrived later with a crane and worked with the tow truck to move the equipment on to another trailer for transport.

A state Motor Carrier Services officer was investigating the incident.

Several area first responders were at the scene from late morning, including the Bull Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Montana Highway Patrol, state Department of Transportation and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

    Several first responders were at the site of a traffic incident Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2026, on Highway 56 next to Bull Lake after a water treatment center fell on a flatbed trailer. It disrupted traffic for several hours. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)