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Contact: Peelee Clark
MEDORA, N.D. – The public reopening of an iconic roadway was celebrated today in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the approximately $51 million South Unit Scenic Loop Road rehabilitation project featured remarks by U.S. Senator John Hoeven, National Park Service Regional Director Bert Frost, and Park Superintendent Rachel Daniels.
The Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund (GAOA) provided the funding to address erosion, drainage and safety issues, stabilize banks, regrade slopes, repave surfaces, improve parking areas and pull outs, and enhance the visitor experience for more than six miles of road which suffered significance damage from slides caused by severe rain in 2019.
“This picturesque drive has provided memorable experiences for generations of park visitors," said Superintendent Daniels. “We are excited that the public can once again enjoy the spectacular vistas, recreational outlets and wildlife viewing opportunities of this classic route and grateful for the champions who made this project possible, including our long-standing partners at the Federal Highways Administration, Office of Federal Lands Program, for their collaboration on the completion of this important Great American Outdoors Act project."
The project repaired the section of the loop from the East River Road intersection to the Old East Entrance Station pull-off. Due to rain damage and subsequent and ongoing slides along the road, the roadway was closed to traffic due to safety concerns. This project has reopened public access to the full loop and enhanced drainage systems, road base rebuild, and asphalt resurfacing along the corridor. In addition to the restoration work, construction has improved emergency response capabilities on the park’s East side, enhancing both visitor and staff safety.
Each year, approximately 100,000 vehicles explore the South Unit Road as part of their park visit. In 2024, the park's 733,000 visitors contributed an estimated $56 million in local communities. The completion of this project is an essential step in improving the park’s visitor experience, reopening access to the full scenic drive, and allowing visitors to enjoy the noted wildlife and scenery of the American West.
GAOA is part of a concerted effort to address extensive maintenance and repair needs in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, it provided the National Park Service with up to $6.5 billion over 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.
Last updated: November 25, 2025