Bridging the Gap in Yellowstone

Since spring 2023, HK Contractors (HK) has been working to replace the 60-year-old Yellowstone River Bridge near Tower Junction, in the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park. This is a major infrastructure upgrade that has encompassed comprehensive road re-alignment and extensive restoration efforts.

For three years, HK has been working in a remote location the has required extreme attention to detail, project coordination between agencies, and adherence to environmental sensitivity that come with the demands of working within a national park. The re-construction of the bridge is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026 and there is more to look forward to as Lost Creek is returned to its original channel and adjacent habitats will be restored to their natural conditions before the bridge and roadway were originally constructed in the 1960’s.

The new bridge will be supported by drilled shafts and will include concrete decking, sidewalks, and safety railings to allow park visitors to fully enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery around them.  The structure will measure 1,285 feet long and will be 175 feet above the Yellowstone River and will connect with the new section of Grand Loop Road which is also under construction to move it approximately 700 feet southeast to improve traffic flow and safety for drivers through the park.

These enhancements will prioritize safety, support ecological restoration, and preserve the natural and scenic integrity of one of America’s most iconic national parks. By adjusting the placement of Grand Loop Road, the National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will work in partnership to restore Lost Creek to its natural channel and adjacent aquatic, riparian, and upland habitats will be rehabilitated using both live and inert plant materials.

Once completed, the new bridge will be the longest bridge in the state of Wyoming and the largest man-made civil structure located within Yellowstone National Park.

Because of the unique geological characteristics of Yellowstone National Park, HK has had several exceptional challenges to work through for the duration of the project.  The work site sits within a geothermal zone, which requires HK crews to increase their safety protocols to include continual monitoring of hydrogen sulfide gas levels and that all on-site personnel are equipped with gas monitors.

While team members monitor the hydrogen sulfide gas levels, crews also must be on the lookout for wildlife visitors through the construction zones. HK employees are working in a major migration corridor for bears, bison, elk, deer, and multiple other animal species. It can be quite a balancing act to ensure you’re meeting project deadlines while also patiently waiting for a herd of bison to meander through the space that’s temporarily hosting large operating equipment.

HK has done an incredible job with their attention to detail, teamwork, and coordination with the National Park Service that met safety standards, protected natural resources, and delivered critical infrastructure in one of the most iconic national parks.