Date: June 29, 2006
Contact: Nash, (307) 344-2010
Contact: Vallie, (307) 344-2010
Visitors to Yellowstone National Park this holiday weekend won’t have to worry about road construction limiting overnight access to the park.
Construction on Yellowstone’s East Entrance road will be temporarily halted for the July 4th holiday weekend. The road will be open 'round-the-clock from 8:00 a.m., Friday, June 30, until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 5. Motorists may experience short delays and can expect gravel surfaces and steep grades. There is no stopping allowed in the Sylvan Pass area.
Work resumes after the long holiday weekend. During construction, the East Entrance road is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with half-hour delays.
The July 4th weekend is usually the busiest time of year in the park. Visitors are encouraged to slow down, drive safely and watch for bicyclists, pedestrians, and animals on or near roadways.
Earlier this week, an adult female black bear had to be euthanized after being struck in a hit-and-run accident by a tractor-trailer truck on U.S. Highway 191 inside the park. More than 100 large animals a year are killed in traffic accidents in Yellowstone Most of these accidents happen after dark, in bad weather, or involve vehicles exceeding the speed limit.
Drivers who accidentally strike an animal in the park are asked to report the incident at the nearest ranger station.
