MT ERFO NP Yellowstone Old Gardiner RD Emergency Repairs

Owner: Federal Highway Administration
General Contractor: HK Contractors
Start Date: July 11, 2022
Completion Date: November 4, 2022
Subcontractors and Key Contractors: Geostabilization International LLC, Valley Fence, Highmark Traffic Services, Thompson Contracting Inc, K’s Construction, Rocky Mountain Reclamation, and LH Contracting LLC

Materials Used on Project and Quantities:

• HMA – 15,500 Tons
• Pit Run – 22,379 Tons
•  Road Base – 33,990 Tons
• Crushed Rock – 18,017 Tons

Project Description:

In June 2022, the North Entrance located in Gardiner, Montana, and the Old Gardiner Road was forced to close after the area received days of rain and fast-melting snowpack. Unfortunately, this contributed to a historic flood washing away roads, bridges, and houses and forcing emergency evacuations of tourists and residents. The floodwaters were documented as the highest in over a century.

Since June, HK Contractors have worked tirelessly to rebuild the washed-out roadway and incorporate corridor improvements. This project consisted of reconstructing 4 miles of new road, excavating 80,000 cubic yards, and placing 33,990 tons of roadbase and 15,500 tons of HMA. Crews incorporated a 14,000 sq. ft stabilization wall, and a 21,000 sq. ft. soil nail wire mesh slope to ensure stability throughout the corridor. At peak performance, there were approximately 8 different companies with 100 employees working on different aspects of the project. This project was completed between July 11 and November 4. This corridor now provides connectivity from Yellowstone and Gardiner, Montana, and ensures safe passage for motorists traveling through the area.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on a project like this. Never before have we engineered the road as we built it, matching the terrain and efficiently constructing the road.” – Mike Laker Project Superintendent

“We’re pleased to be reopening the North Entrance and reconnecting Yellowstone to Gardiner, Montana,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “We want to thank the outstanding support and work of the Federal Highway Administration and HK Contractors, INC for getting this road built in just four months.” – Cam Sholly, Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park

HK Contractors is honored to have worked on this project and is thankful to our team members for providing support with their outstanding work!