HK Contractors: Yellowstone River Bridge

Project description

The Yellowstone River Bridge project is happening at the intersection of Northeast Entrance Road and Grand Loop Road (Tower Junction) in Yellowstone National Park. Beginning in January of 2023 and set to conclude November 2026, the total amount awarded for the project from the DOT was over $120 million, courtesy of the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.

The goal is to replace the current 60-year-old bridge with a brand new one, all while realigning about a mile of Northeast Entrance Road. As part of the project, the Tower Junction intersection will also be moved about 700 feet southeast from where it is now. Plus, around half a mile of the Grand Loop Road will be rebuilt.

Along with the new bridge, the Northeast Entrance Road will be completely removed and regraded. This means bringing Lost Creek back to its natural channel and hydraulic system, restoring aquatic, riparian, and upland areas with both live and nonliving plants, and reestablishing wetlands to look like they did before the 1960s. A new fish barrier will also be installed to replace the old one.

What makes it interesting?

The new bridge will be a massive 1,285 feet long and 175 feet high, made of steel girders, concrete decking, and will even have sidewalks and railings. What really makes it stand out is the location – it’s being built in a tricky spot within an active hydrothermal and geothermal zone. There are even gas vents along the river’s edge. To make sure everything holds up, the project will use special sulfate-resistant cement, and there will be thermal monitoring while the concrete sets underground.

How HCSS software assisted with the project.

Since starting out in 1950 as a small construction company with just one backhoe and a single dump truck, HK Contractors has grown into one of Idaho’s largest construction and material supply companies. Over the years, they’ve expanded their reach to Montana and Wyoming, all while maintaining an industry-leading reputation for integrity. Today, they rely on HeavyBid to help secure major projects, like the Yellowstone River Bridge.