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Date: March 24, 2009
Contact: Amy Vanderbilt, 406 888-5838

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Park officials at Glacier National Park today announced plans for spring construction activity in the Avalanche Creek area along the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road). As part of the Sun Road rehabilitation, the Federal Highway Administration's Contractor, HK Contractors, Inc., will be rehabilitating the area beginning April 10, weather permitting. The contractor is scheduled to finish their work by early June.

The goal is for the Avalanche area to open for public access, weather permitting, within a few weeks of the contractor’s start up. The winter vehicle closure will remain at Lake McDonald Lodge until that time.

When road conditions and construction permits, the road will be opened at Lake McDonald Lodge for vehicle traffic as far as Avalanche Creek. The gate at Avalanche Creek will remain closed for vehicles until the entire Sun Road opens across Logan Pass.

The spring 2009 work will involve repaving the entrance into Loop A of Avalanche campground and rehabilitating the entire picnic area.  From about April 25 through early June (approximately) the road surface will be gravel; bicyclists should use extra caution when riding through the area. Heavy equipment will be operating so extra caution should be exercised by both bicyclists and those walking the road when in the Avalanche area this spring.

Hikers and bikers will be allowed beyond the Avalanche vehicle gate as normal; however, short closures will occur on occasion that will restrict all access through the Avalanche area for some portions of the road work. When such work is underway, closures will be closely managed to ensure short delays.

- NPS -