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Park plows at bottom of Big Drift

| June 24, 2011 1:59 PM

Plowing and rehabilitation work continue on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) and currently there is no estimation on when the upper sections will be cleared of snow. Unprecedented winter snows and late spring storms slowed plowing progress.

 On the west side, plow crews pioneered through the Rimrock and are approximately one mile from Logan Pass. Crews encountered drifts up to 25 feet in depth. On the east side, crews have complete plowing of Lunch Creek and are at the bottom of the Big Drift. Crews are less than a mile from Logan Pass. Depths of snow have been significant with some depths being up to 50 feet.

Plowing has been completed on the lower section of the road, which has allowed contractors working on the Going-to-the-Sun Road Rehabilitation Project to resume paving work between Logan Creek and the West Tunnel. Once the paving work is finished, increased access to areas of the Sun Road, beyond Avalanche Creek, may be allowed. Park officials hope to define what access would be available, sometime next week.

However, until the full length of the Sun Road is plowed and open to traffic, the west side vehicle closure will remain at Avalanche Creek.

Hiker/Biker access will be limited this weekend due to the paving schedule this weekend in the construction zone between Logan Pit and the West Tunnel. Hiker/Biker restrictions will be three and a half miles beyond Avalanche Creek for both Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26. HK Contractors, will resume night work on Monday June 27 beyond the Avalanche Creek closure. No travel will be allowed through the construction zone Monday night through Friday mornings for hikers and bikers.