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Yellowstone seeks public comment on a proposed road reconstruction project between Fishing Bridge and Indian Pond.
According to a Yellowstone press release, officials are looking how and whether to reconstruct part of the East Entrance Road from Fishing Bridge to Indian Pond (a 3.2 mile segment). The project encompasses the road, parking areas, turnouts, Fishing Bridge itself and Pelican Creek Bridge.
The project aims to update the corridor to current engineering safety standards. For instance, the project would widen the road to the parkwide standard of 30-feet. In addition to reconstruction, the project will look at restoring wetland functions and improving efficiency.
Yellowstone proposed almost this exact project last year, soliciting public comment as before. This time, officials have an Environmental assessment available for interested parties. From the press release:
The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed project evaluates two alternatives: a no action alternative and one action alternative. In Alternative A, the no action alternative, the road, bridges, and parking areas would remain unchanged. Alternative B includes reconstructing the road to 30-feet, reconstructing the parking lots adjacent to the Fishing Bridge Museum and the Fishing Bridge General Store, adding turn lanes through the developed area of Fishing Bridge, rehabilitating or replacing the Fishing Bridge, and replacing the Pelican Creek Bridge and associated causeway with a 1,500 foot viaduct over the wetland. The EA analyzes soils, vegetation, wetlands, cultural resources, and threatened and endangered species.
If the proposed project is implemented, construction delays would normally be limited to 30 minutes. There may be some temporary road closures. These closures could consist of regular nighttime closures, and/or all day closures lasting up to a few days in duration. A complete road closure late in the season (after Labor Day) could be required.
Yellowstone will accept public comments until May 26, 2017 through the Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website and by mail. To submit comments via mail, send them to the following address:
Fishing Bridge to Indian Pond Reconstruction
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190
Visitors may also hand deliver comments to the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs.
Since the Fishing Bridge project falls under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (36 CRF § 800), comments on historic properties and cultural resources are welcome.
Comments will not be accepted by fax. In addition, bulk comments are prohibited. Be aware that comments may be made public at any time.
