The Environmental Assessment-Madison Junction to Norris Junction Road Improvement considers three alternatives, including a preferred alternative, to preserve and extend the life of the road and provide a safer and more enjoyable driving experience for park visitors. Construction on this project would occur in three contract phases, lasting between four to six years if funding is available. The Madison Junction to Norris Junction road project is part of a 20-year parkwide road reconstruction plan to improve the park's road system. The roads are substandard for today's vehicles and lack structural integrity, are too narrow, and do not conform to engineering safety standards. This portion of road, like many in the park, is in poor condition, with both a deteriorating road surface and a failing road base.
Routine maintenance is no longer sufficient to keep the road in good condition.
The first phase of the project would reconstruct the 4.5 miles section between Madison Junction and the Gibbon Falls picnic area. Work on the first phase is proposed to begin in late 1999 and be completed in 2001. Later phases include a proposed removal and relocation of a 1.8 mile segment of road along the Gibbon River between Gibbon Falls and Tanker curve. Superintendent Finley encourages all interested parties to comment on the EA during the 60-day comment period. Comments may be submitted through May 6, 1999.