Fishing Bridge Postcard

Public Comment Sought On Fishing Bridge, Indian Pond Road Construction

Public comment is open on a possible road reconstruction between Fishing Bridge and Indian Pond.

The National Park Service, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, is looking to rebuild parts of the East Entrance Road. This would include parking areas, turnouts, the Pelican Creek Bridge, and possibly even Fishing Bridge itself.

Among the project’s concerns is updating infrastructure to meet current use/demand. Most of the roadways in the proposed reconstruction are severely deteriorated; both Pelican Creek Bridge and Fishing Bridge, built in the 1930s, do not live up to current engineering safety standards. Two plans are being considered, according to a Yellowstone press release:

1. No Action Alternative – Periodic maintenance would be performed to maintain the road and bridges as much as possible. Road, bridges, and parking areas would remain unchanged and would continue to deteriorate.

2. Build Alternative – Reconstructs the road from the Fishing Bridge area to Indian Pond to a consistent 30 foot width (11 foot travel lanes and four foot shoulders) consistent with the 24 miles already reconstructed. Reconstructs the General Store parking area, repaves the visitor center parking area, and constructs a turn lane within the Fishing Bridge developed area. This alternative also explores four options for the bridges including: no repairs and implement vehicle weight and speed restrictions; heavy rehabilitation; replace the bridge(s) on current alignment; or replace the bridges(s) on a new alignment.

If you want your voice heard on the Fishing Bridge to Indian Pond road project, you can submit comments through the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment site. Otherwise, comments can be sent in person to the following address:

Fishing Bridge to Indian Pond Road Reconstruction
Yellowstone National Park Attn: Compliance Office
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

You can also deliver comments to the Albright Visitor Center. Comments are due by March 15, 2016.

About Sean Reichard

Sean Reichard is the editor of Yellowstone Insider and author of Yellowstone Insider For Families 2017.

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