The massive road reconstruction in the Gibbon Falls area is taking a giant leap forward today, as a major bridge over the Gibbon River will be in use for the first time, leading to a big shift in traffic patterns in that area of Yellowstone National Park.

The major reconstruction of the Grand Loop Road between Madison and Norris -- specifically, in the Gibbon Canyon area -- has been the biggest project of the summer, causing the most delays. (It's actually been cool to drive on the rerouted road, down close to the river.) A major step in that reconstruction project happens today, when a large bridge over the Gibbon River opens for business. That means a major change in the road configuration.

Alas, the work on the project is not yet close to completion; you can still expect pilot cars and 30-minute delays as you shuttle between Norris and Mammoth. This section of road will also be closed to travel between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. every night until September 1.  But the pain now will be worth it: the parking area near Gibbon Falls will be expanded, and it should be easier to view the impressive sight without needing to dodge traffic on the Grand Loop Road.

Other work in the Park is slated to begin today including reconstruction of the East Entrance road through Sylvan Pass. Once construction beings, visitors can expect up to 30-minute traffic delays through the area until work concludes in the fall. There will be no night-time closures. 

Park road crews also have two chip seal projects planned for the coming weeks.  

Work is slated to begin Monday, July 12 to chip seal the road between Lewis River Falls and the park’s South Entrance. This project is expected to be completed by the weekend. Delays of up to 30 minutes are possible.

The road between Canyon Junction and Fishing Bridge Junction is also set to be chip sealed.  Work is scheduled to start Monday, July 26 and end Thursday, August 5.  No work is scheduled for Friday, July 30 through Sunday, August 1.  Visitors can expect traffic delays of up to 30 minutes when work is underway.

As always, you can check out our listing of road conditions in Yellowstone National Park. It's updated daily.

Photo of Gibbon Falls by William Keller, courtesy of National Park Service.

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