Park plow crews finishing up Sun Road work

Glacier National Park plow crews have punched through the Big Drift on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, just east of Logan Pass, but Park officials still plan to hold off opening up the alpine highway to motor vehicles until the middle of next week.

Bikers and hikers coming in from the west side will have to start at Avalanche Campground, where the road remains gated to motor vehicles.

Bikers and hikers will be blocked from further travel at Bird Woman Falls Overlook, about 10 miles from Avalanche Campground and a couple miles above The Loop, where construction crews have the Sun Road torn up.

On the east side, however, bikers and hikers will be allowed to travel all the way to Logan Pass. The motor vehicle closure is at Jackson Glacier Overlook, which is about three miles below Siyeh Bend and about seven miles below Logan Pass.

Park crews have been clearing snow from Logan Pass Visitor Center, shoveling out sidewalks and steps, as well as installing wood guardrails along the Sun Road.