Construction progresses on a new bridge over the Lewis River in Yellowstone/NPS, Jacob W. Frank
Road construction will slow travel to Yellowstone National Park from the south this summer, while projects in the North Range will cause some delays in the Lamar Valley.
The good news is that while the Yellowstone River Bridge project near Tower Junction won’t be completed until 2026, work on the new bridge over the Lewis River near the south entrance is scheduled to be completed this fall.
The Lewes River Bridge project has been long awaited. In 2018, the Park Service announced that the bridge, which was built in 1960, is aging and has deteriorated to the point where it will require “major renovations” or complete replacement. A Federal Highway Administration inspection report cited by the park found problems with the bridge’s concrete surface, foundations and railings, and found it to be in poor overall condition. In addition to decking and railing issues, foundations that sink beneath rivers are subject to “scouring,” where river flow essentially digs up sediment and debris around the abutments.
The Yellowstone River Bridge was built in 1963. Inspectors said the span “is seriously defective or poses a safety hazard, but could remain in service if the load was reduced or it was inspected more frequently.” This is the only part of the park that is open year-round, and is part of the roadway that is cleared of snow in the winter.
Park staff recommend that you plan your trip accordingly. Here’s more about the project and the delays it causes.
lewes river bridge
Location: Approximately 16 miles north of the South Entrance on South Entrance Road.
Access: In 2024, expect delays of up to 20 minutes before opening to vehicle traffic (from May to October 31). Nearby pullouts and trails to Lewis River Falls will be closed during construction.
Improvements: This project is expected to begin in 2022 and be completed in fall 2024. This includes the removal and replacement of the Lewis River Bridge. The existing bridge will be removed and a new bridge will be constructed immediately downstream. The project includes additional parking and viewing opportunities.
yellowstone river bridge
Location: Near Tower Junction along Northeast Entrance Road
Access: Expect delays of up to 30 minutes in 2024. The Northeast Entrance Road is open to vehicular traffic all year round. Hiking trails in the area may be temporarily closed during the project. Please see the Backcountry Conditions Report for more information.
Improvements: This project is expected to begin in 2023 and be completed in fall 2026. This includes replacing the structurally deficient Yellowstone River Bridge, which was built in 1961. A new 1,285-foot-long, 175-foot-high steel girder bridge upstream will replace the existing 604 Bridge. – A 100-foot-long bridge to maintain northeast entrance and year-round access to the communities of Silvergate and Cooke City, Montana. A new pullout, paved parking lot, and a dedicated route across a new bridge will improve access to trails, fishing, and observation decks. The Yellowstone River Picnic Area will be expanded to accommodate increased tourist use.
Temporary delays and closures may occur on park roads at any time. Stay informed:
Visit the Yellowstone website at Park Roads.
For recorded information, please call 307-344-2117.
Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your phone by texting 82190 to 888-777 (an automated text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
Before your trip, check road conditions outside of Yellowstone in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Grand Teton National Park, and check current traffic conditions at Yellowstone’s north and west entrances with park webcams. please.
