Yosemite National Park News Release

August 5, 2005
For Immediate Release

Yosemite National Park Announces Public Scoping Comment Period for
Rehabilitation, Restoration and Resurfacing of Glacier Point Road


The National Park Service is seeking public input on the proposed rehabilitation, restoration, and resurfacing of a 5.1-mile segment of the Glacier Point Road between, and including improvements to, the Chinquapin intersection and the Badger Pass Ski Area parking lot. This segment of the Glacier Point Road and the Chinquapin intersection experience heavy traffic volumes during summer and winter months because they provide access to Bridalveil Creek Campground, Glacier Point, the Badger Pass Ski Area, and trailheads.

Proposed improvements to the roadway would include rehabilitation and/or replacement of existing culverts that lack sufficient size, and/or have deteriorated structure. Drainage ditches along this segment are in need of reconstruction to facilitate proper drainage of the roadway. Steeply banked curves are in need of slope modification to improve safe travel, especially during winter driving conditions. Selective brush clearing is needed to improve visibility and snow removal operations.

Proposed improvements to the Chinquapin intersection would address safety concerns due to poor visibility during approach into the intersection, in addition to provision of additional opportunities for chain-up/chain-down in the immediate vicinity, and upgrades to accessibility of the restroom.

Proposed improvements to the Badger Pass Ski Area parking lot include rehabilitation and/or replacement of existing drainage culverts and resurfacing of the existing parking lot.

Public scoping for this project will occur from August 17, 2005 through September 16, 2005. An Environmental Assessment is proposed to be issued for public review in January 2006.

Written scoping comments should be postmarked no later than September 16, 2005 and mailed to:

Superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Attn: Rehabilitation, Restoration and Resurfacing of the Glacier Point Road
PO Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389

Fax: 209/379-1294

Email: YOSE_planing@nps.gov

A Public Open House will be held in Yosemite Valley at the Visitor Center Auditorium on August 31, 2005 from 2pm to 6 pm. For more information, visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planning.

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