Yellowstone’s Isa Bridge Being Rebuilt
One of the more scenic spots along the route between Jackson Hole and the Old Faithful area is to see construction sometime next year. Back in 2010, the Federal Highway Administration determined that the Isa Lake Bridge on Craig Pass was in poor condition and needs to be replaced. Park Spokesman Dan Hottle says plans for its reconstruction are currently up for public comment. Hottle says Yellowstone is considering a reasonable range of preliminary alternatives, including the complete reconstruction of the bridge. That bridge would be slightly wider, longer and higher, but would preserve the historic image. In addition to its aesthetic values, the new bridge would be designed to meet modern traffic safety requirements. Additionally, Hottle says parking areas and pullouts near the bridge would also be repaved. Of course, considering its location on the continental divide, Hottle says construction will have to be completed during the summer season. He says there will be a temporary bridge put in place for the duration of the work and so shouldn’t affect traffic at all. The Environmental Assessment on the project is open for public comment between now and August 24th.
