Repairs to damage inflicted to the west side of the park by last November’s severe “Pineapple Express” storm are being completed at the second of three locations near the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road).
The storm was named for the jet stream that brings warm, moist air from Hawaii to the West Coast.
Although work is nearing completion, the access road and bridge across the creek at the head of Lake McDonald will remain closed to all use until the work site is cleared of potential hazards, which should be completed by Friday. At that time, non-motorized winter access – cross country skiing and snowshoeing – will resume across the bridge and along the road to Kelly Camp. Work at the site has involved bridge stabilization through the boring and installation of micro-piles to replace damaged pilings and restoration of rip-rap at each abutment.
Sun Road repairs have also been completed at Red Rock Point.
Repairs are still being negotiated at the third location (milepost 19.25 from West Glacier), approximately three miles past Avalanche Creek. When work begins at milepost 19.25, plowing of one lane of the Going-to-the-Sun Road will again occur. One lane will remain snow-covered for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Crews for Sandry Construction, the contractor making the repairs, work Mondays through Fridays during daylight hours. For safety reasons, pedestrian access will be prohibited in the plowed lane during work hours. When work is not occurring, hikers and bicyclists can travel on the plowed lane. Signs will indicate when closures are in effect and caution should be exercised.
West side winter motorized vehicle access is unaffected by the road work to the west side. Vehicles can travel 11.5 miles on the Sun Road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge.
