The National Park Service (NPS) plans to partner with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to reconstruct a major roadway leading into Yellowstone National Park.
Estimated to cost $268 million, construction is slated to begin in 2029.
The project will improve the northeast entrance road to the park, spanning a 27-mile stretch starting near the intersection of the road and Tower Junction to the northeast boundary of Yellowstone National Park. The roadway suffers from aging infrastructure, outdated standards and resiliency concerns that ultimately impact safety measures and the visitor experience.
Built in the 1930s, the roadway is in significant need of an overhaul. The NPS will divide the project into phases, starting with Phase 1 covering an 11-mile stretch of the roadway. As part of this phase, the agency will reconstruct the road base, widen it to 30 feet, add additional pullouts and scenic viewpoints and realign roads damaged by past storm events.
In addition to core roadwork, the agency will make various other changes to neighboring park amenities and facets. These efforts will include rehabilitating the Pebble Creek Campground and replacing six bridges along Soda Butte Creek. The NPS will also improve the Northeast Entrance Station to accommodate oversized vehicles.
Once completed, the project will align with modern safety and engineering standards, improving traffic flow along the corridor without sacrificing resiliency or durability. Throughout construction, the agency will ensure that it preserves natural and cultural resources; natural hydrologic processes, conditions and values; and improves visitor facilities and services along the corridor.
Photo by Gintare K. from Pexels
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