Road Construction

Addressing the deferred maintenance backlog is part of the National Park Service’s core mission to preserve national parks and provide a world-class visitor experience. With winter weather conditions possible half the year, there is a small window from April through early November for repairing and maintaining park roads and bridges. We appreciate your patience as we complete these important projects. Drive slowly through road construction and be alert to workers, heavy equipment, wildlife, and other hazards.

Projects in 2020

There will be four major road construction projects in 2020. One project will have a complete closure between Tower-Roosevelt and Chittenden Road, while three projects will cause delays (North Entrance, Old Faithful, and Fishing Bridge to Indian Pond).

For the most up-to-date information about temporary road closures in the park, visit the park roads web page.

 

 

1. Tower-Roosevelt to Chittenden Road

Improvements: This 6-mile segment of road remains largely unchanged since the last improvements in the 1930s. This construction project will widen the road and provide additional/improved pullouts; create a larger, safer parking area at Tower Fall General Store; and improve the trail and overlook for Tower Fall. To fund this project, the park received a grant through the Nationally Significant Federal Lands Program and will match it with fee dollars collected in the park.

Access: The road between Tower-Roosevelt and Chittenden Road will be completely closed until May 2022. (In 2021, the full closure will be between Tower Fall and Chittenden Road.) Specific areas on each side of this closure will be open for select time periods:

• On the Canyon Village side of the closure: Currently closed; no estimate on reopening. The only way to access the peak of Mount Washburn during construction is via the Canyon Village side of the closure. The Mount Washburn trail and trailhead parking lot near Dunraven Pass will be open during construction. The Chittenden Road and parking area will be closed at select time periods after Labor Day (dates to be determined).
• On the Tower-Roosevelt side of the closure: Closed all 2020. Tower Fall, the Tower General Store, Tower Fall Campground, and Calcite Springs will be closed in 2020. Tower Fall, the Tower General Store, Tower Fall Campground, and Calcite Springs will be open and accessible from Tower-Roosevelt between June 4–September 26, 2021. In the winters, Tower Fall and trails in the vicinity will be open for skis and snowshoes, snow-permitting, from early November through March (follow all closure signage posted at Tower-Roosevelt). Traffic from Tower-Roosevelt Junction will be turned around at Calcite Springs May 7–June 4, 2021; and September 26–November 8, 2021. There will be no access to the trails for Mount Washburn from the Tower-Roosevelt Junction side of the closure.

 

2. North Entrance

Improvements: The North Entrance is not equipped to meet the challenges of increasing visitation and traffic. This construction will add an additional lane and kiosk to improve traffic flow and reduce lines; replace the existing two buildings with one larger building/station and two kiosks; improve the flow of employee and delivery traffic from Robert Reamer Avenue; improve pedestrian safety by realigning parking along Robert Reamer Avenue; and replace the water line along Robert Reamer Avenue. Funding for this project comes from the Federal Highways Administration, Yellowstone Forever, the National Park Foundation, and fees collected in the park.

Access: Beginning in early summer, expect delays around the North Entrance. The entrance station will be open. More details, including dates, will be available after a construction contractor is selected. This project will start in 2020 and take two years.

 

3. Fishing Bridge to Indian Pond

Improvements: Along this section of road, an earthen causeway has been in place since 1902 limiting Pelican Creek’s ability to flow naturally. Construction in 2020 will replace the Pelican Creek bridge and causeway with a viaduct to allow the wetland and creek to flow freely again. Crews will also put the finishing touches on work that started in 2018 to improve the deck, piers, and abutment of Fishing Bridge; add turn lanes to the facilities at Fishing Bridge; construct a larger, improved parking area to the east of the General Store; and widen the road and add/improve pullouts. Funding for this project comes from the Federal Highways Administration.

Access: From May 4 to October 30, 2020, expect delays along the East Entrance Road between Fishing Bridge and Indian Pond. Read updated newsletters about the project status. This project will be completed in 2020.

 

4. Old Faithful Overpass Bridge

Improvements: The Old Faithful Overpass Bridge closed July 22, 2020, and remains closed for repairs. The closure gives crews full access to the entire deck surface and approach lanes. This work includes deck repairs, new approach slabs, new curbing, girder repairs, railing improvements, and the removal and replacement of deck drains.

Access: Travelers can access Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, lodges, stores, clinic, and gas station, but expect detours and delays. If you are not traveling directly to Old Faithful, consider alternate routes due to delays throughout the area. The anticipated completion date for this project is late October 2020 (weather permitting).

 

Chip Sealing

Chip sealing occurs every summer and preserves Yellowstone's roads. Check the park's live road map to see where chip sealing is scheduled to occur and plan for delays of up to 30 minutes. Dates can change due to weather. Drive slowly and maintain the recommended speed limit on chip seal pavement to reduce the risk of loose gravel damaging cars or windshields.