Yellowstone National Park staff is seeking comments on a proposal to replace the Yellowstone River Bridge/NPS

A key bridge along the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park, one that was built back in the 1960s, is in need of replacement, according to the National Park Service, which is seeking public comment on a variety of alternatives.

The Yellowstone River Bridge that spans the Yellowstone River on the Northeast Entrance Road near Tower Junction, is suffering from deterioration on the concrete deck, sidewalks, and parapets. The goal of the project is to provide safe visitor access from the park’s Northeast Entrance, as the bridge is part of the only road corridor in the park that is open year-round and plowed in the winter. 

The Environmental Assessment for the proposed project would evaluate three alternatives.  

• In Alternative A (no action), the bridge would remain in its existing condition.
• Alternative B would replace the bridge with a larger 1,200-foot-long bridge about 500 feet south of its existing location. One mile of new road would be constructed to line up with the new bridge location. Following construction, the existing bridge and approximately 1.5 miles of existing road would be removed and the area restored. 
• Alternative C would include the construction of a new bridge directly adjacent to and slightly north of the existing bridge. Following construction, the existing one would be removed. The new bridge would be approximately 600 feet long and the road that approaches the bridge would be moved north. 
• Alternative B and C would reconstruct the 24-foot-wide bridge to a 30-foot-paved width, reconfigure, and expand the Yellowstone River Picnic Area, and improve turnouts for vehicles along the road.

The EA is scheduled to be completed by spring 2020. A decision on the project would occur likely by summer 2020.  

Comments on the proposed alternatives must be received by November 16.  Comments may be submitted online at this site, by hand-delivery, or by mail. Comments will not be accepted by fax, email, or by any other means. 

Hand-deliver comments during business hours to: Albright Visitor Center, Attention: Yellowstone River Bridge EA, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190. 

Mail comments to: Compliance Office, Attention: Yellowstone River Bridge EA, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.