Lake McDonald Utility Project Begins June 1
WEST GLACIER, Mont. [April 7, 2022] – Glacier National Park announces that the Lake McDonald utilities construction project is set to begin June 1 at 10 pm.
The long-awaited project will replace seven miles of sewer force main, electrical, and telephone lines from Apgar to the Lake McDonald Lodge along Going-to-the-Sun Road. It will also replace the lift station at the lodge to reduce the threat of sewage overflow.
“Although there will be some inconvenience this summer, in the long-term the project will be a great benefit,” says Kate Hammond, acting Superintendent for Glacier National Park. “This project is long overdue, and our staff has worked hard to secure the funding to replace antiquated and out-of-date equipment, which in turn will protect park resources.”
The contract for the project has been awarded to Ceccanti, Inc. of Tacoma, WA. Construction will begin on June 1, 2022 at 10 pm. Spring and summer work will be done at night from 10 pm to 6 am, with a nighttime closure in place along Going-to-the-Sun Road from the south end of the lake near Apgar Campground to Sprague Creek Campground.
At midnight each evening, there will be a window when vehicles will be piloted through construction.
For a second year in a row, the park is piloting a vehicle reservation system for Going-to-the-Sun Road from May 27 through September 11, 2022. Visitors will be able to access Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side after 4 pm without a reservation. Visitors will not be able to access Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west side before 6 am, unlike last year, due to nighttime construction for the duration of the project.
Vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road are available 120 days and 24-hours in advance at Recreation.gov (or Rec.gov). For more information regarding reservations, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.
Visitors can enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side at the St. Mary Entrance from May 27 through September 11, 2022 before 6 am and after 4 pm without a reservation and travel as far as Sprague Creek Campground during the nighttime closure.
Glacier National Park road crew began snow removal on Going-to-the-Sun Road on Monday, April 4. Based on previous years, park staff estimate the road will be fully open towards the end of June. The road is currently open to Lake McDonald Lodge from the west and Rising Sun from the east. Visitors can expect the road to be open as far as Avalanche Campground on the west side and Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side when the vehicle reservation system goes into effect on May 27 through most of June.
On October 1, 2022, access to Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west side will be closed 24 hours a day, seven days a week beyond Apgar Village. Logan Pass will be accessible from St. Mary Entrance until the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road closes for the year. The alpine section typically closes on or before the third Monday in October, depending on road and weather conditions.
Additional information will be posted on the park website as it becomes available.
- Press Release -