News Release

Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Input on Wood Ballast Bridge Replacement  Project  

A steam train passes over the wooden ballast bridge above Bright Angel Wash.

NPS Photo/M. Quinn

News Release Date: June 10, 2026

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications

The National Park Service is seeking public comments on a proposal by the Grand Canyon Railway to replace a wooden ballast bridge on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The bridge, which carries the Grand Canyon Railway track over Bright Angel Wash, was built in 1926 and is in poor condition. The preferred alternative would replace the existing wooden triple box culvert with three steel pipe culverts.  

“Maintaining safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is essential to preserving access to Grand Canyon National Park,” said Superintendent Ed Keable. “This project would replace an aging culvert that has supported rail service to the South Rim for nearly a century, helping ensure the continued operation of the Grand Canyon Railway while reducing the risk of future infrastructure failures.” 

The proposed project would help maintain reliable rail service to the South Rim, supporting a transportation option that allows visitors to access Grand Canyon National Park while reducing vehicle congestion and associated impacts. 

Comments on the proposed project will be accepted from June 10, 2026 until midnight, June 23, 2026. For more details on this project or to submit comments, visit the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/SouthRimWoodenBallastBridge and click on “Open for Comment.”  

All comments are public records and may be made publicly available at any time, including personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, email addresses or other details included in comment submissions.  

-NPS-