If you're visiting Rocky Mountain National Park this summer, you might want to plan on entering from the eastern side, rather than enduring construction delays and bumpy travel on the western end of Trail Ridge Road.

Road crews are working on Trail Ridge Road from the boundary near the Grand Lake Entrance, continuing north through the switchbacks by Farview Curve. This entire section encompasses roughly 13 miles. No major road work has taken place on this section of road for more than 20 years.

Beginning in June, the road surface between the west park boundary and Timber Lake Trailhead was pulverized. Resurfacing of the road is anticipated to begin soon and continue through mid-September. Approximately 10 miles of the road will be resurfaced and rock wall repairs will take place in the switchbacks. Cyclists and motorcyclists should be prepared for rough road conditions.

Park visitors can expect 20 to 30 minute delays through the construction on Trail Ridge Road. There may be multiple areas of construction occurring concurrently, and in that case the combined delay time will not exceed 60 minutes. Resurfacing can only be done during the day due to temperature requirements.

The Federal Highway Administration awarded a $6.8 million contract to Coulsen Excavating Company Inc., and is administering this project on behalf of the National Park Service. Funds are from the Federal Lands Highway Program. Please check at a park visitor center, entrance station, or call the Rocky Mountain National Park Information Office at (970) 586-1206 for up-to-date information on road delays.