Park considers dredging, riprap work at bridges

Public comments are encouraged by Jan. 3 on a proposal for streambed maintenance and riprap installation at bridges and culverts along Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Park road maintenance guidelines permit routine clearing of debris from within 10 feet upstream or downstream from bridges and culverts.

Rehabilitation of several of the road’s historic bridges and extensive drainage work has also occurred as part of the road’s ongoing major rehabilitation project.

A number of bridges and culverts, however, are located where flooding and potentially damaging sediment loads occur frequently, and additional stream work is required.

High water from spring run-off and weather events can cause bridge spans and culverts along the road to become clogged with sediment and debris. Large upstream sediment deposits can alter the shape of the stream channel and, in some cases, result in unstable channel alignments that are prone to flooding.

The park is proposing to remove or dredge sediments as needed from stream channels at bridges and culverts. The proposal also includes placing riprap at the Logan Creek Bridge and other bridges and culverts.

Additional information about this project is available on the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/GTSRBridgesCulverts. 

Comments can be posted to this website or mailed to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: GTSR Bridge/Culvert EA, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936.

Comments are due Jan. 3, 2013.