Amazing news out of the Lamar Valley lately where the new Yellowstone River Bridge is finally open for traffic. This major Great American Outdoors Act project is moving into its final phase as crews continue to work on overlooks, remove the old bridge, and restore the Lost Creek drainage.
The replacement bridge (1,175 feet long and 162 feet high) was constructed on a new alignment about 500 feet south of the old bridge location. The project included relocating the junction and modernizing 3.5 miles of roadway, pullouts, and ancillary facilities. Over a dozen options were under consideration and Yellowstone management chose to build the new bridge upstream of the existing bridge, built in 1963, on a brand-new alignment.
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. Once the project is complete the existing road segment and bridge will be removed, and the area rehabilitated. The full project is expected to be completed in 2026.
Here is a video of the progress from May 20th, 2025:
