Yellowstone: Three Big Construction Projects in Summer 2021

Even Yellowstone isn’t immune from summer construction season, with three significant projects underway while tourists traverse the park in Summer 2021.

Three major road construction projects will occur in Yellowstone National Park in 2021.

Only one of the three projects will involve a complete closure. The other two will cause delays and/or traffic pattern changes but will not restrict access to any sites or amenities.

This summer, the three construction projects in the park are the ongoing Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction roadwork, the Old Faithful Overpass Bridge, and the expansion of the North Entrance. 

Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass)

• The road between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Junction will be entirely closed for the 2021 season.
• There will be no access to the Mount Washburn trails. Instead of Mount Washburn, consider hiking Bunsen Peak near Mammoth Hot Springs, Purple Mountain north of Madison Junction, or Avalanche Peak along the East Entrance Road.
• This is the second year of the project that will widen the road and provide additional/improved pullouts, create a larger, safer parking area at Tower Fall General Store and improve the Tower Fall’s trail and overlook.
• The project’s anticipated completion date is May 2022.

This road has been fully closed since Summer 2020. Yellowstone officials remind guests that the park has over one thousand miles of trails to explore until construction on this section ends.

Old Faithful Overpass Bridge

• Expect delays up to 15 minutes to accommodate one-lane travel over the overpass bridge.
• Travelers will be able to access Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, lodges, stores, clinic, and gas station.
• The project will include several repairs to the bridge and approaches.
• The project’s anticipated completion date is fall 2021.

The Old Faithful Overpass Bridge was suddenly closed in July 2020 due to structural concerns. Construction has not and will not impede visitor access to the geysers and amenities.

North Entrance

• Expect construction and traffic pattern changes around the North Entrance.
• The entrance station will be open.
• The project will improve infrastructure, safety for pedestrians, and traffic flow for vehicles. It will also reduce lines at the entrance.
• The project’s anticipated completion date is fall 2021.

One project that isn’t scheduled for Summer 2021 is the replacement of the Yellowstone River Bridge.

The bridge just outside Mammoth Hot Springs will be replaced entirely in one of the most intensive Yellowstone projects in recent years. That three-year endeavor won’t begin until Summer 2022.

While slow driving is almost inevitable within the park, visitors need to drive especially safely thru construction zones. Be alert to workers, heavy equipment, wildlife, and other hazards at all times.

For the latest construction updates, visit park roads for the status of Yellowstone roads.

Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). In addition, call 307-344-2117 for recorded information.