Yellowstone National Park is a 2.2 million-acre recreational area on a volcanic hot spot. Yellowstone has lush forests, hot springs, geysers, canyons, and alpine rivers. The park is technically located in Wyoming (mostly), Montana, and Idaho. It is the oldest national park in the United States. The park is also home to the largest hot spring in the United States (and third largest in the world). The hot spring is a very popular feature of the park along with Old Faithful, one of its most famous geysers.
The park is so scenic that it has been a filming location for many movies and shows. For fans and world travelers, the park is one of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. It is a treasured cultural landmark that travelers enjoy visiting. However, recent changes have caused delays to visitors’ park access, which is not unprecedented due to other unavoidable situations.
The park was closed due to the pandemic in 2020, but it re-opened in 2021. Since then, tourism has picked up, serving as a welcome retreat for travelers. This is why the news of significant construction in the park may be of concern to visitors of the Yellowstone National Park.
What Is Causing the Traffic Delay?
The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a warning to visitors for the upcoming months. Travelers should expect more traffic jams this summer as major improvements will be worked on in the park. These traffic delays are due to the replacement of two different bridges at the park.
The first is the Yellowstone River Bridge which was built in 1961. The 604-foot-long bridge will be replaced by a more structurally sound bridge. The new bridge will be built upstream and will be a 1,285-foot long and 175-foot high steel structure. The second is the Lewis River Bridge which is located south of the Lewis Lake Campground. The bridge is 10 miles from the South Entrance Road. Its replacement will be located downstream.
The renovative project includes the replacement of both bridges. Sturdier bridges are being constructed to secure the safety of visitors and rejuvenate the current fixtures for longevity. But as the most popular season for visitors approaches, there are sure to be some noticeable differences for travelers. The summer is the most crowded season at Yellowstone National Park due to the ideal weather and wildlife sighting opportunities. Here are the most important factors for travelers to consider as they plan their trip to Yellowstone National Park.
What Does Construction Mean for Visitors of Yellowstone?
Although traffic delays can be frustrating during travel, they will lead to a more accessible park in the future. New paved parking areas and a route across the new bridges will help travelers access trails and better views. In addition to these changes, the park picnic area will be expanded so that more visitors can enjoy it.
The construction on the Lewis River Bridge means that the trail to the Lewis River Falls is closed. The Lewis River Bridge replacement should be completed in Fall of 2024 while the Yellowstone River Bridge project is set to finish in Fall 2026. The National Park Service even recommends that visitors expect delays between May and October (2024). But for the longer construction of the Yellowstone River Bridge, travelers can expect occasional short traffic delays. Some hiking trails in the area may be temporarily closed for the duration of the project, so travelers should do their own research before they plan to visit.
Luckily, travelers have many resources to help them navigate the traffic. They can find out more detailed and current information about the live road status on the National Park Service’s website. There is a live status map and call number, and travelers can even sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts. Travelers can also check the nine park webcams, one of which is a live-stream webcam. However, travelers can see the traffic conditions at the North and West entrances of Yellowstone. The projected opening and closing dates of roads are even posted for travelers’ convenience.
