A stretch of the South Unit Loop Road at Theodore Roosevelt National Park that has been closed since spring 2019 would be rebuilt under a proposal the National Park Service supports.
Engineers and geologists believe the road's problems stem from "unstable slopes, pumping of subgrade over impermeable clays, dissolution voids in embankment fill and the subsequent piping of fine fill material, and poor subgrade soils."
Under the plan, 6.15 miles of the scenic road would be rebuilt, a project that would include subgrade excavation, structural improvements, drainage improvements, and improvements to pullouts and parking areas.
"We are thrilled to reach this point in the planning and design process, with hopes to have a contractor on board in late summer," said Angie Richman, the park's acting superintendent.
If the plan is adopted, construction is expected to take two years, according to the park.
The loop road, when fully open, runs 36 miles "across the rolling, jumbled badlands with fantastic scenery in all directions," the park notes on its website. "Along the way are numerous scenic overlooks and trailheads."
Public comment on the proposal opened Monday and runs through March 1. An hour-long virtual public meeting is scheduled for February 23.
Details on the plan, and a page to leave comments, can be found here.
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Comments
Re-building this stretch on the south unit's loop road is a serious challenge to the best engineers. But, if it can be done, I am all for it. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park (north and south units) is a relatively hidden gem in the NPS, and there you can spend two to three full days enjoying geology, history, the Teddy Roosevelt story, and wildlife. The largest buffalo I have ever seen, I saw in the north unit. What a pleasant surprise. The south unit is not far from the Black Hills, and the north unit is not far from Fort Union, where the Yellowstone empties into the Missouri. Highly recommended!