On June 13, 2022, Yellowstone National Park faced a devastating 500-year flood, receiving 7.5-9.5 inches of rain and snowmelt in just 24 hours. The flood severely damaged sections of the Northeast Entrance Road, prompting immediate safety measures, including evacuating all visitors and performing initial damage assessments.

Within 36 hours, the park restored power and diverted damaged wastewater systems. The south loop reopened just nine days after the disaster, while additional road sections and backcountry trails resumed operations throughout the summer.

In response to the flood, a $21 million project started on July 5 involved significant upgrades, including widening the road, installing guardrails and culverts, and building stabilizing walls.

Improvements also began on Old Gardiner Road, the park’s original entrance, which dates back to 1879.

The successful collaboration between the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration, and countless area asphalt paving contractors enabled the road to open for public travel on October 15, 2022. Efforts to finalize additional road sections in the park continued into spring 2023.

Learn more about the recovery effort HERE.