Sun Road should be open by weekend

Glacier National Park officials announced Monday that the entire 50-mile length of Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open to vehicle travel by this weekend.

Road crews continue to sweep debris from the high-elevation highway and install guard rails and road signs, and work also underway to prepare the Logan Pass Visitor Center for opening.

“Opening the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a priority, and many employees are helping to make that happen,” Glacier Superintendent Jeff Mow said in a news release. 

Trail and campground crews began assisting over the weekend in removing snow from the visitor snow with hand tools. Water testing is being completed and restrooms are being prepared at the Visitor Center.

“I am pleased that we are able to offer shuttle service to the Loop prior to vehicle access to Logan Pass,” Mow said, referring to the park’s free shuttle system.

Shuttles have been offering nonstop service between Apgar and the Loop since last week. As of today, the shuttles will stop at all regular stops between Apgar and the Loop.

East-side shuttle service will start once Logan Pass is opened to vehicles.

Due to recent weather, most notably a three-day deluge of rain and snow that caused dozens of avalanches on Sun Road, park managers anticipated access to Logan Pass would be delayed.  

Until the pass is opened, motorists on the west side can drive as far as Avalanche; on the east side, vehicles can travel as far as Jackson Glacier Overlook.

Hikers and bikers can travel from Avalanche up to Bird Woman Falls Overlook. There is no hiker-biker access east of Logan Pass because of ongoing road construction.

The latest opening of Sun Road over Logan Pass was July 13, 2011.