Yellowstone National Park announced on Tuesday that Old Gardiner Road, a limited access road to the park between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner Montana, will open to traffic by November 1.
According to the press release, the two-lane project was extended for up to two weeks, ensuring the 5,000 feet guard rails are properly installed. The road was initially expected to be finished by October 15. With the Federal Highway Administration working in conjunction on the construction project, Yellowstone National Park requested a new quarter-mile approach into Mammoth Hot Springs, which is currently under construction. The road approach will help avoid a steep grade on the road and requires additional work to ensure the road can handle over 1,000 cars that use the road to enter the park from the north entrance every day.
The park also asked the Federal Highway Administration to expand the road width on certain areas of Old Gardiner Road to prevent further visitor restrictions. The road was originally used as a stagecoach route in the late 1800s. The one-lane dirt road will be converted into two lanes.
After the unprecedented floods that hit parts of Montana in mid-June, Old Gardiner Road was the best option to reconnect Mammoth Hot Springs to Gardiner, Montana. Pavement for the new road approach into Mammoth Hot Springs was expected to be installed during hte first week of October. The guard rail for the road will be installed between October 10 – 20.
“It’s essential that we do not cut corners and we ensure the road meets required safety standards prior to opening, said Yellowstone Superintendant Cam Sholly. “It’s also essential that we finish the job correctly so we avoid any problems going into next year.”
The park is coordinating with Montana and Wyoming to plow a 7-mile stretch of road from Cooke City to Pilot Creek Trailhead if needed until construction on Old Gardiner Road is complete. This will ensure continued access to the Cooke City/ Silver Gate Area. The northeast entrance of the road is expected to open to regular traffic on October 15. Click here for photos and updates on flood recovery in the park.