Going-to-the-Sun Road Summer 2007 Schedule

Date: March 8, 2007
Contact: Amy Vanderbilt , 406-888-5838

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Glacier National Park Superintendent Mick Holm says that rehabilitation of the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) is slated to kick into gear in 2007 with comprehensive rehabilitation on the 3.5-mile alpine section between the west tunnel and Haystack Creek. "We are poised to have this road improvement work commence in 2007 after we stabilize and restore visitor access on the road following the storm damage from last November," said Holm. Holm referred to the tropical storm system that hit the Pacific and Inland Northwest in early November 2006 which brought torrential rain, flooding and subsequent damage to park roads and trails along the Continental Divide, including portions of the Sun Road.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Park Service (NPS) will soon select a prime contractor to perform the multi-year Sun Road rehabilitation work. This FHWA-administered contract, referred to as an "indefinite delivery / indefinite quantities" (IDIQ), will allow for continuous work without delays. "We have a solid pool of contractors to select from and are confident that this IDIQ will create a more seamless, ongoing project," said Holm.

Holm stressed that the NPS and its partner agency are committed to maintaining ‘shared use’ of the Sun Road (by both of the public and contractors at the same time) during core summer months (mid-June to mid-September) throughout the 8-10-year project. "During the core summer season (mid-June to mid-September) there will be only temporary delays (several short delays totaling a maximum of 30 minutes) for a trip across the entire 50-mile road," said Holm. He added that before and after the summer season, contractors will have access to accelerate road work, wherein public access will be restricted or limited through work zones. He stressed that visitors will still have access to the National Historic Landmark, but before and after the core summer season contractors will have greater access to accelerate road work as weather permits.

The following schedule will be in effect for the 2007 Going-to-the-Sun Road rehabilitation:

Summer 2007 Schedule

• Daytime Schedule (Mon-Fri) - 6 am to 10 pm - Short work zone delays totaling 30 min. maximum
• Nighttime Schedule (Sun-Thur) - 10 pm to 6 am - Up to 4 hour delays
• Weekend Schedule (Fri-Sun) - 6 am Fri. to 10 pm Sun. - Short work zone delays totaling 30 min. maximum

Core Summer Season - Friday, June 15 to Monday, September 17, 2007:

• Weather and road conditions permitting, the entire Sun Road will be open for two-way traffic
• Flaggers or traffic lights will be used to route alternating traffic through work zones
• Nighttime travelers are advised to drive around U.S. Highway 2 to avoid lengthy delays
• Contractors will work seven days a week unless otherwise announced
• Weekend work schedules will run from 6 am Friday to 10 pm Sunday
• There will be no extended nighttime delays on weekends
• On weekends (6 am Friday to 10 pm Sunday) there will no extended delays, only short work zone delays totaling 30 min. maximum

Fall and Spring Shoulder Season - Monday, September 17, 2007, to Friday, June 13, 2008:

• Logan Pass will be accessible for motorized traffic from one side, weather permitting.
• Portions of the Sun Road may NOT be accessible for both motorized traffic and non-motorized access (i.e. hikers, bicyclists) when road work is accelerated. Pedestrian access will vary.

New Visitor Services: As part of the Sun Road rehabilitation new visitor services and improvements are being phased into operation:

• Free (optional) Sun Road shuttle system (no extra charge once park entrance fees paid)
• New Apgar Transit Center (scheduled opening July 2007)
• Interpretive wayside exhibits will be installed along the Sun Road (2007)
• Trip-planning kiosks will be available at Apgar Transit Center and St. Mary Visitor Center (2008)
• Technological communications improvements (real-time traffic conditions and shuttle locations)
• Traffic flow improvements at West Glacier and St. Mary park entrance stations (2008)

More information about the Sun Road project and other visitor services is available at www.nps.gov/glac .

To receive updates about the Sun Road project via email, please send an email message to [e-mail] .