Massive New Bridge in Yellowstone National Park Now Open

Yellowstone National Park is preparing to open for the 2026 season on April 18, and visitors are eager to explore its natural wonders after a long winter. If you're driving between Tower Junction and  Lamar Valley this year, you'll probably notice that it looks a little different.

Thanks to the Great American Outdoors Act, which helps improve and protect public lands across the country, YNP is getting some much-needed upgrades. A new bridge over the Yellowstone River is expected to open later this year.

Yellowstone River Bridge Project Nearing Completion

According to an update shared on Facebook, work on the new Yellowstone River Bridge is almost finished. It will replace the old bridge, which was built in 1961.

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A new 1,285-foot-long, 175-foot-high steel girder bridge upstream will replace the existing 604-foot-long bridge to preserve year-round access to/from the Northeast Entrance and communities of Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana.

The project will also feature new pullouts, parking areas, and a new route that will increase access to trails, fishing, and more. The new bridge is functional, and you can drive across it, so it shouldn't cause too many delays this summer.

If you’re heading into Yellowstone National Park through the North Entrance in Gardiner, expect some delays tied to another major bridge project in 2026. The Gardiner River High Bridge is undergoing repairs, and work is expected to continue through late October. Plan for up to 15-minute delays.

Always give animals their space, and don't try to approach or pet them, including the fluffy cows (bison). Also, stay on trails and boardwalks to protect yourself and Yellowstone's fragile ecosystem.