Contact: Amy Vanderbilt , 406-888-5838
WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Glacier National Park Superintendent Mick Holm says that rehabilitation of the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) is slated to kick into gear in 2007 with comprehensive rehabilitation on the 3.5-mile alpine section between the west tunnel and Haystack Creek. "We are poised to have this road improvement work commence in 2007 after we stabilize and restore visitor access on the road following the storm damage from last November," said Holm. Holm referred to the tropical storm system that hit the Pacific and Inland Northwest in early November 2006 which brought torrential rain, flooding and subsequent damage to park roads and trails along the Continental Divide, including portions of the Sun Road. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Park Service (NPS) will soon select a prime contractor to perform the multi-year Sun Road rehabilitation work. This FHWA-administered contract, referred to as an "indefinite delivery / indefinite quantities" (IDIQ), will allow for continuous work without delays. "We have a solid pool of contractors to select from and are confident that this IDIQ will create a more seamless, ongoing project," said Holm. Holm stressed that the NPS and its partner agency are committed to maintaining ‘shared use’ of the Sun Road (by both of the public and contractors at the same time) during core summer months (mid-June to mid-September) throughout the 8-10-year project. "During the core summer season (mid-June to mid-September) there will be only temporary delays (several short delays totaling a maximum of 30 minutes) for a trip across the entire 50-mile road," said Holm. He added that before and after the summer season, contractors will have access to accelerate road work, wherein public access will be restricted or limited through work zones. He stressed that visitors will still have access to the National Historic Landmark, but before and after the core summer season contractors will have greater access to accelerate road work as weather permits. The following schedule will be in effect for the 2007 Going-to-the-Sun Road rehabilitation: Summer 2007 Schedule
Core Summer Season - Friday, June 15 to Monday, September 17, 2007:
Fall and Spring Shoulder Season - Monday, September 17, 2007, to Friday, June 13, 2008:
New Visitor Services: As part of the Sun Road rehabilitation new visitor services and improvements are being phased into operation:
More information about the Sun Road project and other visitor services is available at www.nps.gov/glac . To receive updates about the Sun Road project via email, please send an email message to glac_news_releases@nps.glac . |
Last updated: February 24, 2015