Yellowstone National Park just provided an update on the Yellowstone River Bridge replacement project and it looks like things are going to plan on the massive infrastructure improvement. The project is replacing the 1963 Yellowstone River Bridge near Tower Junction in addition to relocating the junction and modernizing 3.5 miles of roadway, pullouts, and ancillary facilities.
“Over a dozen options were considered, and park management chose to build the new bridge upstream of the existing bridge on a brand-new alignment. The existing bridge is approximately 604 feet long and 70 feet high. The new bridge will be 1,175 feet long and 162 feet high. Other project highlights include construction of the new Yellowstone River Overlook Trailhead Parking Area, Wrecker Road Parking Area, and expansion of the Yellowstone River Picnic Area.”
As of May 9th the girder erection is complete while the completion of abutments and bridge deck are in progress. Road realignment is set to finish later this season. This project began in 2023 and will conclude fall 2026.
US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration:
Yellowstone River Bridge Project Description
The Yellowstone River Bridge project is located at intersection of the Northeast Entrance Road and the Grand Loop Road (Tower Junction) in Yellowstone National Park. It will replace the existing 60-year old bridge on a new mile-long realignment of the Northeast Entrance Road.
The intersection at Tower Junction will be relocated 700 southeast of its current location. Approximately 1 mile of the Northeast Entrance Road will be realigned and nearly 0.5 miles of the Grand Loop Road will be reconstructed.
The new 1,285 long, 175 high steel girder bridge will have drilled shafts, concrete decking, sidewalks, and railing. It is located within a hydrothermally and geothermally active zone with multiple gas vents observed along the river s edge and will require sulfate resistant cement and thermal monitoring of below grade concrete curing.
The existing Northeast Entrance Road will be obliterated and regraded. Regrading includes restoration of:
Lost Creek to its natural creek channel and hydraulic system, aquatic, riparian and upland areas using living and nonliving plant materials, wetlands to pre-1960 s conditions, and the existing fish barrier with the installation of a new fish barrier.
