The recent road collapse in Yellowstone National Park has significantly impacted transportation and access to the park, leaving visitors and enthusiasts with many questions. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the road collapse, the measures being taken to repair the damaged roads, and the alternative routes available for those planning to visit the park.
The Road Collapse and Closure
The Northeast Entrance Road has been closed since a historic flood event in June 2022, causing significant damage to approximately five sections of the road. The road between the North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and Mammoth Hot Springs was washed out in multiple places, with a significant rockslide in Gardner Canyon. Other affected areas include the Tower Junction to Northeast Entrance, where a segment of the road was washed out near Soda Butte Picnic Area, and the Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass), where a mudslide occurred.
Impact on Transportation and Access
The closure of the northern portion of the park is expected to last for a substantial length of time due to the severely damaged infrastructure. All entrances to Yellowstone National Park were temporarily closed while the park waited for flood waters to recede and conducted evaluations on roads, bridges, and wastewater treatment facilities to ensure visitor and employee safety. The park’s southern loop was less impacted and was reopened after assessments, but with the possibility of implementing a temporary reservation system to prevent gridlock and reduce impacts on park infrastructure.
Repair Efforts
Park officials have found no “perfect alternative” for replacing the collapsed road and are considering three preliminary options, which will be costly and must be built to withstand the park’s shifting soil, avoid disrupting archaeological sites, protect wildlife, and be resilient to earthquakes, rock slides, floods, and climate change. The National Park Service is making every effort to repair the roads as soon as possible, but it is probable that some road sections in northern Yellowstone will not reopen this season due to the time required for repairs.
Detour and Alternative Routes
A newly constructed paved detour near Teton Pass, which connects Jackson, Wyoming, and Victor, Idaho, has been opened for public use. The detour spans approximately 600 feet and features enhanced drainage systems. This detour provides an alternative route for visitors who would have otherwise accessed the park through the northern entrance.
Important Contacts and Resources
For up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone, visit the park’s website or text “82190” to 888-777 for mobile alerts. You can also call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message on road conditions. Additionally, you can find updates about flood recovery efforts and park operations at go.nps.gov/YELLflood.
Conclusion
The road collapse in Yellowstone National Park has undoubtedly caused significant disruptions to transportation and access to the park. However, the National Park Service is working diligently to repair the damaged roads and provide alternative routes for visitors. By staying informed and utilizing the available resources, you can plan your Yellowstone adventure and navigate the challenges posed by the road collapse.
References:
- https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/30/travel/wyoming-detour-teton-pass-collapse/index.html
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/teton-pass-collapse-wyoming-highway-landslide-block-crucial-commuter-route-jackson-hole/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBJ0tuaEXKU
- https://www.eenews.net/articles/yellowstone-no-perfect-options-in-redo-of-collapsed-road/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/220613.htm