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What's with all the construction in Yellowstone? Learn how we're keeping Yellowstone in shape for future generations. 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. In 2018, Yellowstone reported a conservative backlog estimate exceeding $586 million, more than half of which related to roads. In 2022, the park is investing approximately $155 million to improve safety, access, and experience on park roads, including facilities such as parking lots and overlooks. Projects in 2022There will be three major road construction projects in 2022. All three projects will cause major delays (Lewis River Bridge, Old Faithful to West Thumb, and Yellowstone River Bridge). One of these projects (Old Faithful to West Thumb) will have overnight closures for certain periods of time (learn more in the project descriptions below). ![]() 1. Lewis River BridgeLocation: 10 miles north of the South Entrance on the South Entrance Road ![]() 2. Old Faithful to West ThumbLocation: Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb
![]() 3. Yellowstone River BridgeLocation: Near Tower Junction along the Northeast Entrance Road Chip SealingChip 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. Past ProjectsThe park completed two major infrastructure improvement projects in 2021: ![]() 1. Tower-Roosevelt to Chittenden RoadAfter two years of construction and roughly $28 million invested, Tower-Roosevelt to Chittenden Road (near Dunraven Pass) reopened May 27, 2022! This segment of road remained largely unchanged since the last improvements in the 1930s. Construction work for this project included widening roughly 6 miles of the Grand Loop Road and providing additional/improved pullouts; creating a larger, safer parking area at Tower Fall General Store; improving the trail and overlook for Tower Fall; and reconditioning Chittenden Road and reconstructing the Mount Washburn parking area. To fund this infrastructure improvement, the park received a grant through the Nationally Significant Federal Lands Program and matched it with fee dollars collected in the park. ![]() 2. North EntranceAfter nearly two years of construction and roughly $12 million invested, the North Entrance is now equipped to meet the challenges of increasing visitation and traffic. This project included adding an additional lane and kiosk to improve traffic flow and reduce lines; replacing the existing two structures with three new entrance kiosk buildings; updating 2 miles of roadway; improving the flow of employee and delivery traffic from Robert Reamer Avenue; improving pedestrian safety by realigning parking along Robert Reamer Avenue; and replacing the water line along Robert Reamer Avenue. Funding for this project came from the Federal Highways Administration, Yellowstone Forever, National Park Foundation, and fees collected in the park. Grand Teton Road ConstructionMoose-Wilson Road: Expect closures and delays during summer 2022. Visit Moose-Wilson Road Construction for more information. |
Last updated: December 23, 2022