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Contact: Eric Grunwald, 308-436-9718
Contact: Jay Sturdevant, 308-436-9711
GERING, Neb. – Scotts Bluff National Monument is starting a rehabilitation project on the park's historic Summit Road. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund is providing approximately $6.4 million to enable critical repairs. The upgrades will restore vital infrastructure and ensure continued safe access to the summit. The project will address key maintenance needs, including:- Replacement of deteriorated sections of the road
- Removal and replacement of old expansion joint caulking
- Repair of the retaining wall.
Built between 1933 to 1937 by two Depression-relief agencies, the Civil Works Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Summit Road is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its engineering achievements. Each year, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 vehicles use the road. However, 88 years of public use, combined with natural forces such as rockfalls, ice, and seasonal weather, have deteriorated the roadway and its supporting infrastructure, including drainage systems and retaining walls.
"The Summit Road is a centerpiece of the monument experience,” said Scotts Bluff National Monument Superintendent Jay Sturdevant. “This project will enable us to design and implement effective long-term repairs to this important piece of historic infrastructure. This will ensure continued safe and enjoyable access to the summit, while we protect and enhance this important natural and cultural landmark.”
Scotts Bluff is the most visited National Park Service site in Nebraska and park visitation contributes significantly to the local economy. In 2023, the park's 174,000 visitors spent an estimated $11.7 million in local communities and supported over 150 jobs.
GAOA's Legacy Restoration Fund is part of a concerted effort to address extensive maintenance and repair needs in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, it provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements to ensure the preservation of national parks and provide current and future visitors with opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment.
Further information about Scotts Bluff National Monument programs, schedules, and road closures is available at the visitor center, by calling 308-436-9700 or by visiting the website at http://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps.www.nps.gov
Last updated: August 17, 2025