Date: August 2, 2006
Contact: Melissa Wilson, 406-888-7750

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Officials at Glacier National Park project the Going-to-the-Sun (Sun) Road from St. Mary to Rising Sun will open this evening at 8 p.m. At that time, visitors can travel the entire 50-mile Sun Road; presently, visitors can travel 44 miles from the west entrance to Rising Sun.

The Department of Transportation is also expected to open Highway 89 north of St. Mary (to Babb) at 8 p.m. A 35 mile per hour speed limit will be in effect for this area and will be strictly enforced. Highway 89 south of St. Mary to the junction with Starr School Road will remain closed; no projected opening is available.

The St. Mary Visitor Center is expected to open Thursday, August 3, at 7 a.m. A projected opening for the St. Mary and the Cut Bank Campgrounds will be announced later today.

Visitors are reminded that new fire restrictions are in effect. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire is prohibited in all backcountry campsites, and in the frontcountry campgrounds at Quartz Creek and Cut Bank (when it opens).

Also, smoking is prohibited in the backcountry, including all areas beyond any park trailhead.

For more information about Glacier, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/glac or call 406-888-7800.