Work is nearing completion on the section of road between Norris and Madison through Gibbon Canyon in Yellowstone National Park.

Earlier this month, traffic began traveling over the new road alignment and the new 253 foot bridge over the Gibbon River.

Overnight closures end as of 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 1. However, visitors can expect up to 30-minute construction delays through October 23, including over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Paving of the new road and the nearby Beryl Springs Bridge is expected to be completed by the end of September.

The redesigned Gibbon Falls Overlook and parking area, two new picnic areas and the long closed Gibbon Falls picnic area are all set to open to visitors October 23, weather permitting. All interior park roads close for the season Monday morning, November 8.

Another important component of the road project began when traffic began traveling over the new road alignment.

Wetlands, rare plants, thermal areas, and even the path of the Gibbon River itself were disturbed when the old road was built in the 1930s. Work is now underway to remove the old road and bridge and restore the 2-mile section of river corridor.

The land along the river is being reshaped back to the way it was before the old road was built, and thousands of native plants grown from seed are being planted in the area. When completed, about three acres of wetland habitat will have been restored.