Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful overpass closes over construction safety concerns
The Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park remains true to legend. The nearby bridge bearing its name? Not so much.
An overpass at one of the busiest areas in Yellowstone National Park has closed after work crews determined it may be unsafe.
Crews replacing drains, expansion joints and concrete and doing other work raised concern about the structural integrity of the bridge at Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park officials said Wednesday.
The National Park Service is evaluating the condition of the bridge and travelers can still access Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, lodges, stores, the clinic and gas station, officials said. Meanwhile, detours and delays should be expected at Old Faithful until further notice as traffic is being routed around the Old Faithful Overpass Bridge due to safety concerns.
Travelers could still get to the Old Faithful area and its lodges, stores, clinic, gas station and famous thermal features. Park officials urged travelers not headed to Old Faithful specifically to consider taking other routes to avoid traffic delays.
Old Faithful erupts about 20 times a day and is one of nearly 500 geysers in Yellowstone, the park service said. It is one of six that park rangers now predict.
Contributing: Phil Drake, Great Falls Tribune and the Associated Press