The contractor finished the 2024 season slightly ahead of schedule by completing four bays of truss erection in October. Work in 2025 will include erecting the remaining six bays of the truss, installing the launch nose and receiving tower, and launching the bridge across the slide to the west abutment.
We are still on track for a midsummer 2026 project completion, which will allow the remainder of that season to be used for work on any necessary repairs to the western half of the Park Road and deferred maintenance of west district facilities. We expect the full length of the road to be open and all bus services to resume in 2027.
Below are some highlights from this past summer's work. You can also read back through older blog posts for more details. Regular updates will return in the spring when construction work resumes.
- Mass excavation was completed on the west side of the slide.
- Construction of the east and west abutments was completed, including installation of micropiles, placement and post-tensioning of the abutment blocks, and installation of the ground anchors.
- Thermosiphon evaporators were installed.
- The launch platform was constructed.
- Structural steel fabrication was completed and steel was delivered to the park.
- Four bays of the truss were erected on the launch platform at the east abutment.
A winter view of the Pretty Rocks construction site on November 11, 2024.NPS Photo