Going to the Sun Road open in Glacier Park
June 26, 2006
Park crews at Glacier National Park completed final debris removal from the Going-to-the-Sun (Sun) Road’s west side alpine section allowing the road to be opened to travel on Friday, June 23. With this opening, vehicles will be able to travel the entire 50-mile road from West Glacier to St. Mary.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center is open daily from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm. Parking, restroom facilities, and The Glacier Natural History Association’s bookstore are available at Logan Pass.
Superintendent Mick Holm praised the road crew, “The task that our road crew undertakes each year to prepare the Sun Road is remarkable. This year’s opening combined challenges beyond the traditional snow, which, coincidentally, was significantly deeper than in recent years. Last week’s rain brought down significant debris and caused flooding in various parts of the park. The fact that that we are able to project an opening for this final section of the Sun Road, just one week later, is a testament to the dedication and talent of our crew.”
Holm added, "Additionally, this year’s opening has proceeded injury-free, despite the considerable and severe hazards associated with this work effort. The safe opening illustrates the crew’s incredible teamwork and cooperation. I hope the public will join me in extending our appreciation to the hard-work of the entire road crew."
Holm also noted that a range of ranger-led programs has begun in the park. Beginning Sunday, June 25, an even wider array of programs will be offered in all areas of the park. These programs range from easy walks and evening talks, to all-day hikes and boat tours. The complete list of programs is found in The Glacier Explorer, which is available in park visitor centers or online at:
http://www.nps.gov/glac/pdf/2006explorer1.pdf.
Visitors are reminded that a shared use policy for the Sun Road is in place throughout this summer season. Therefore, visitors should expect minor delays while traveling the Sun Road. On a one-way trip across the road occurring between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the cumulative delay will not exceed 30 minutes. Additional delay information can be found at:
http://www.nps.gov/glac/sunroad/GTSR2006FactSheet.pdf.
For the most current road conditions, visit the park’s road status web site at:
http://www.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm.
Conditions are also available by calling 511, the Montana Department of Transportation Traveler Information System. Out-of-state users can call 1-800-226-7623. Both numbers are toll-free. Select "Glacier Park Tourist Information" from the main menu to hear Glacier’s road report.
For further information on the Sun Road and Glacier National Park, go online to
www.nps.gov/glac or call 406-888-7800.
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