If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park this year, you need to prepare for major delays.

Yellowstone National Park announced that it has three major road improvement projects planned for 2022. According to a press release, all three of the projects (Lewis River Bridge, Old Faithful to West Thumb, and Yellowstone River Bridge) are expected to cause major delays for those visiting the park. The Old Faithful to West Thumb and Lewis River Bridge projects will also have overnight closures.

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Details about all three projects can be found below.

Lewis River Bridge - Approximately 10 miles north of the South Entrance on the South Entrance Road

  • The project is expected to begin in spring 2022 and last until fall 2023. From May until November, visitors can expect delays of up to 20-minutes delays around the Lewis River Bridge while roads are open to wheeled vehicles (May-Nov.1). In addition, there will be occasional overnight closures between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. The Lew River Bridge will be replaced. Click here for details.

Old Faithful to West Thumb

  • The project is expected to begin in spring 2022 and last until fall 2023. From May until November, visitors can expect delays of up to 30-minutes delays in this section of the park. Overnight closures are also planned between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from Sept. 5 until roads close for the season. Approximately 22 miles of the Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb will be repaved. Click here for details.

Yellowstone River Bridge - Near Tower Junction along the Northeast Entrance Road

  • The project is expected to begin in fall 2022 and last until fall 2025. Visitors can expect delays of up to 30-minutes delays year-round until the project is completed. The Yellowstone Picnic Area, Wrecker Curve access road and parking area will be closed during construction. Hiking trails will remain open in the area. The Yellowstone River Bridge will be replaced. Click here for details.

YNP also announced the completion of two major projects in 2021. Tower-Roosevelt to Chittenden Road (near Dunraven Pass) will reopen on May 27, 2022, weather dependent.

The North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana is now equipped to meet the challenges of increasing visitation and traffic with an expanded visitor entrance capacity and modern facilities.

For up-to-date information regarding the projects, click here.

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