A section of washed-out road between Tower Junction and the Northeast Entrance in Yellowstone National Park has been repaired and is opening at 7 tonight for the busy Fourth of July weekend.

Park crews used specialized heavy equipment to repair approximately 200 feet of road that was damaged by high water at the confluence between the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek. Nearly 100 loads of rock and fill dirt were needed to provide a stable roadbed and restore full lane width across the undercut area.

A second high water area affecting the road two tenths of a mile downstream from last Friday’s washout prompted crews to spend an additional day stabilizing approximately 50 feet of road with dirt and large boulders to proactively avert another washout situation.

Two-way travel will be permitted through the newly-repaired section of road.  However, drivers are cautioned to reduce speed through the temporary gravel surface, which will be marked with the appropriate road hazard signage.

High and fast-rushing water at the confluence due to heavy late spring runoff was the contributing factor in causing the washout.

RELATED STORIES: Yellowstone's Lamar Valley Road Temporarily Closed

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