Proposal to Conduct Streambed Maintenance and Provide Protection along the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Public comments are encouraged on a proposal to conduct streambed maintenance and install riprap as needed at bridges and culverts along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Maintenance of bridges and culverts along the Going-to-the-Sun Road occurs under the park's road maintenance guidelines, which permit routine clearing of debris from within ten feet upstream or downstream. 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. But a number of bridges and culverts 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 along the Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond what already occurs. The proposal also includes placing riprap at the Logan Creek Bridge and other bridges and culverts along the road as needed to reduce sediment deposits caused by erosion.

Two alternatives have been identified:

1) No Action - no increase in sediment removal from stream channels at road bridges and culverts beyond what already occurs and no riprap would be installed at the Logan Creek Bridge or other areas.

2) Action - remove sediment deposits from stream channels at bridges and culverts along the road as needed, beyond what already occurs, and install riprap.

Additional information about this project is available on the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website. 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 January 3, 2013.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park