NWPBanner
Welcome! NWPphotoforum.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Glacier Park Update #7010
03/06/07 02:06 PM
03/06/07 02:06 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
Tony Bynum Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
Tony Bynum  Offline OP
Pooh-Bah

Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
It's that time again for me to start doing "regular" updates on the conditions at GNP. It is a bit early to be getting to excited, unless you live here, but you should be getting your plans made if you intend to be here this year! Keep in mind that the Sun Road road opens sometime between the end of May and the middle of June. . .

Here's the latest from the NPS and GNP. . .

West Side Flooding Repairs Update
Pedestrian access to North Lake McDonald Road expected to be restored by
March 9, 2007


WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Sandry Construction of Bigfork / Kalispell and its
subcontractor, Crux Subsurface of Spokane, WA, is completing storm damage
repairs to the second of three winter work locations on or near Glacier
National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun (Sun) Road, Park Superintendent Mick Holm
reports.


“Bridge and road damage was sustained during the flooding of Upper McDonald
Creek during the November 7-8, 2006, “Pineapple Express” storm. The access
road and the bridge across Upper McDonald Creek at the head of Lake
McDonald remain closed to all use until the work site is cleared of
potential hazards, which is expected by March 9, 2007. At that time
non-motorized winter access (cross country skiing and snowshoeing) will
resume across the bridge and along the road to Kelly Camp,” said Holm. The
bridge repairs could not begin until all required permits were signed and
received from the State of Montana. Permits were received in mid-February
and work began that day. Work 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 are 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. Nevertheless, one lane will remain snow-covered for cross country
skiing and snowshoeing. Sandry Construction works 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.


“The plowing of one lane was necessary to allow access to the Sun Road work
sites and to stock pile materials for the repairs. Skiers and snowshoers
are welcome to utilize the snow-covered lane but are asked to continue to
abide by work zone restrictions,” stated Holm. He added, “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.”


- NPS -

Re: Glacier Park Update [Re: Tony Bynum] #7011
03/06/07 06:57 PM
03/06/07 06:57 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
Tony Bynum Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
Tony Bynum  Offline OP
Pooh-Bah

Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road Summer 2007 Schedule
Road Will be Open for Both Public and Contractors during Core Summer Season


WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Glacier National Park Superintendent Mick Holm says
that rehabilitation of the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road

(Sun Road) is slated to kick into gear in 2007 with comprehensive
rehabilitation on the 3.5-mile alpine section between the west tunnel and

Haystack Creek. “We are poised to have this road improvement work commence
in 2007 after we stabilize and restore visitor access on the

road following the storm damage from last November,” said Holm. Holm
referred to the tropical storm system that hit the Pacific and Inland

Northwest in early November 2006 which brought torrential rain, flooding
and subsequent damage to park roads and trails along the

Continental Divide, including portions of the Sun Road.



The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Park Service (NPS)
will soon select a prime contractor to perform the multi-year

Sun Road rehabilitation work. This FHWA-administered contract, referred to
as an “indefinite delivery / indefinite quantities” (IDIQ), will allow

for continuous work without delays. “We have a solid pool of contractors to
select from and are confident that this IDIQ will create a more

seamless, ongoing project,” said Holm.



Holm stressed that the NPS and its partner agency are committed to
maintaining ‘shared use’ of the Sun Road (by both of the public and

contractors at the same time) during core summer months (mid-June to
mid-September) throughout the 8-10-year project. “During the core

summer season (mid-June to mid-September) there will be only temporary
delays (several short delays totaling a maximum of 30 minutes)

for a trip across the entire 50-mile road,” said Holm. He added that
before and after the summer season, contractors will have access to

accelerate road work, wherein public access will be restricted or limited
through work zones. He stressed that visitors will still have access

to the National Historic Landmark, but before and after the core summer
season contractors will have greater access to accelerate road

work as weather permits.



The following schedule will be in effect for the 2007 Going-to-the-Sun Road
rehabilitation:


Summer 2007 Schedule Hours Work Schedule

Daytime Schedule (Mon-Fri) 6 am to 10 pm Short work zone

delays totaling 30 min. maximum

Nighttime Schedule (Sun-Thur) 10 pm to 6 am Up to 4 hour

delays

Weekend Schedule (Fri-Sun) 6 am Fri. to 10 pm Sun. Short work zone

delays totaling 30 min. maximum



Core Summer Season - Friday, June 15 to Monday, September 17, 2007:



• Weather and road conditions permitting, the entire Sun Road will be
open for two-way traffic

• Flaggers or traffic lights will be used to route alternating traffic
through work zones

• Nighttime travelers are advised to drive around U.S. Highway 2 to
avoid lengthy delays

• Contractors will work seven days a week unless otherwise announced

• Weekend work schedules will run from 6 am Friday to 10 pm Sunday

• There will be no extended nighttime delays on weekends

• On weekends (6 am Friday to 10 pm Sunday) there will no extended
delays, only short work zone delays totaling 30 min. maximum



Fall and Spring Shoulder Season - Monday, September 17, 2007, to Friday,
June 13, 2008:



• Logan Pass will be accessible for motorized traffic from one side,
weather permitting.

• Portions of the Sun Road may NOT be accessible for both motorized
traffic and non-motorized access (i.e. hikers, bicyclists) when road work
is accelerated. Pedestrian access will vary.



New Visitor Services: As part of the Sun Road rehabilitation new visitor
services and improvements are being phased into operation:



• Free (optional) Sun Road shuttle system (no extra charge once park
entrance fees paid)

• New Apgar Transit Center (scheduled opening July 2007)

• Interpretive wayside exhibits will be installed along the Sun Road
(2007)

• Trip-planning kiosks will be available at Apgar Transit Center and
St. Mary Visitor Center (2008)

• Technological communications improvements (real-time traffic
conditions and shuttle locations)

• Traffic flow improvements at West Glacier and St. Mary park entrance
stations (2008)



More information about the Sun Road project and other visitor services is
available at www.nps.gov/glac

Re: Glacier Park Update [Re: Tony Bynum] #7012
03/07/07 11:22 PM
03/07/07 11:22 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
USA
K
Krey Offline
Wanderer
Krey  Offline
Wanderer
K

Joined: Aug 2005
USA
Tony , thanx for sharing !


Pbase.com/krey
Re: Glacier Park Update [Re: Krey] #7013
03/08/07 09:24 AM
03/08/07 09:24 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Manhattan, New York, New York
James Morrissey Offline
I
James Morrissey  Offline
I
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Feb 2005
Manhattan, New York, New York
I agree. I think these are very valuable.

James

Re: Glacier Park Update [Re: James Morrissey] #7014
03/13/07 09:50 PM
03/13/07 09:50 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
Tony Bynum Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
Tony Bynum  Offline OP
Pooh-Bah

Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
I cant believe how fast the snow has melted, at this pace it will be an early opener. That said, the going to the sun road has A LOT of damage so I would expect it wont open early, at least to cars. I may open early to foot and bike traffic. Obvisously winter is not over up there, there's always lots of snow in march, april, may, and june, and I guess it possible for many more feet this spring, as was the case in 2001 when we got 8-10 feet in June!

Things are looking great! Lots of rain and saturated soils, should be a good flower year. I expect to see a bit of bear grass, but keep in mind that it's a 5-6 year cycle and it bloomed in 2005.

Take care, Tony

Re: Glacier Park Update [Re: Tony Bynum] #7015
04/11/07 07:47 PM
04/11/07 07:47 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
Tony Bynum Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
Tony Bynum  Offline OP
Pooh-Bah

Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
Road Report: Wednesday, April 11, 2007

West Lakes and Hudson Bay Road Crew
Present Location: West Lakes Road Crew is currently using the Rotary,
Front End Loader, D-7 Dozer, John Deere Dozer and the Unimog for snow
removal. The crew has pioneered through Granite Creek and has Rotaried up
to Granite Creek. Snow depths have been averaging between 2 - 4 feet on
the road and 12 feet in the chutes. In the lower elevations there was 12
to 18 inches of fresh snow from yesterdays storm. Crews also worked in
Logan Creek removing debris from the November floods. Hudson Bay Road Crew
was able to make it about a half a mile above the Jackson Glacier gate but
had to stop due to heavy snow and poor visibility. Snow depths were around
3 - 4 feet.

Projected Work Activity (next scheduled work day 4/12/07): West Lakes Road
Crew will continue on from Granite Creek and will continue work in Logan
Creek area. Hudson Bay Road Crew will attempt plowing again above the
Jackson Glacier gate as long as the weather is good.

Visitor Access - West
Going-to-the-Sun Road, west side: Vehicle gate is at Lake McDonald Lodge
Hiker/biker closure during plowing is just past Avalanche Exhibit
Quarter Circle Bridge Road: CLOSED
Kelly Camp Road: CLOSED
Camas Road: CLOSED
Inside N Fork Road: CLOSED
Bowman Road: CLOSED
Kintla Road: Open 6.5 miles to Big Prairie

Visitor Access - East
Going-to-the-Sun Road, east side: Vehicle gate is at Rising Sun
Hiker/biker closure during plowing is St Mary Falls Trailhead
Many Glacier: CLOSED
Two Medicine: Vehicle gate is at Running Eagle Falls
Chief Mountain: CLOSED
Cut Bank: CLOSED

Re: Glacier Park Update [Re: Tony Bynum] #7016
05/06/07 12:27 PM
05/06/07 12:27 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
Tony Bynum Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
Tony Bynum  Offline OP
Pooh-Bah

Joined: Feb 2005
Montana
Emergency Repairs Getting Underway on Alpine Portion of Going-to-the-Sun
Road
November 2006 storm damage to be repaired in two phases before entire Sun
Road opens for summer


WEST GLACIER, MONT. – On Wednesday of this week, Glacier National Park’s
east side plowing crew reached the area below the east tunnel on the
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road). Weather permitting, this will allow road
repairs to begin for damage that occurred in November 2006 during a
tropical storm that hit the Pacific and Inland northwest states. On the
heels of the torrential rain storm, a winter weather storm occurred just a
few days later, prompting heavy snow accumulations and icy conditions along
the alpine portion of the Sun Road and thus preventing any repairs from
occurring until now.


Park officials report that there are three sections of damage that must be
repaired before a temporary two-lane bridge can be installed across the
washout and thereby allow repair work to proceed up the road to the
uppermost alpine damage site where a new retaining wall must be built
before the entire 50-mile roadway can be opened for vehicle traffic. As a
result of this unexpected road work and the need to stockpile supplies and
materials nearby in the Sun Point parking lot, all east side oversized
vehicles will be required to park at the Rising Sun boat launch this season
until further notice.


“Regardless of road repairs and rehabilitation, we want to reiterate that
Glacier National Park is open and will be open for normal visitor services
this season,” stated Mick Holm, park superintendent. “Although visitors
won’t be able to drive across the entire Sun Road this June, they can still
enjoy a host of recreational activities and visitor services and enjoy the
lower elevation portions of the scenic Sun Road.”


Holm indicated that there are a total of six sites where storm damage must
be stabilized along the road below the east tunnel. Five sites sustained
loss of a partial lane and will also require having rock debris removed
from the roadway. At one site, the washout removed both lanes of the road.
Phase I of this work will be conducted by Sandry Construction of Bigfork as
a modification to their existing road construction contract.


Phase II will be undertaken as a separate short-term contract that will
soon be let by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the remaining
storm damage work, including the bridge installation. This contract is
expected to be announced soon and work will commence as quickly as
possible.


The short-term contractor will undertake construction of the temporary
steel bridge across the two-lane washout. This work will entail the
contractor literally building the bridge across the gap section by section
until it is secured and anchored on the uphill side.


Once the temporary 125-foot bridge is in place, the contractor will move up
the road to repair the remaining two locations east of Logan Pass,
including the construction of a new retaining wall.


According to Holm, “The two-lane bridge will remain in place throughout the
summer while rebuilding occurs underneath the steel span. The goal will be
for this storm repair work to continue throughout the summer and fall and
remove the bridge before winter weather sets in.”


On the west side, rehabilitation work on the Sun Road will begin on or
about July 1 between the tunnel and Haystack Creek, a distance of 3.5
miles. This section of road will be the first work to be accomplished under
the soon-to-be-selected indefinite delivery / indefinite quantities (IDIQ)
contract which will allow for ongoing work without the delays from contract
negotiations.


Who's Online Now
0 registered members (), 353 guests, and 1 spider.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
CTiefisher, DrSuse BlueDevil, airphotog, dwilson7878, carters paul
3317 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums6
Topics627
Posts989
Members3,317
Most Online629
Dec 4th, 2019

Copyright �2005 - 2020 Nature, Wildlife, and Pet Photography Forum. "NWPPhotoforum" and "nwpphotoforum.com" are the property of Nature, Wildlife, and Pet Photography Forum. All Rights Reserved. Wild Coyote Studio, New York Pet Photographer

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.1
(Release build 20190129)
PHP: 5.6.40-1+hw4 Page Time: 0.029s Queries: 14 (0.009s) Memory: 0.9331 MB (Peak: 1.9681 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2024-03-28 11:28:23 UTC