Located at the historic North Entrance, the Gardiner Gateway project focuses on enhancing access to approximately 10 million acres of federal and state land in and around Yellowstone National Park.
Arch park after a century
The community of Gardiner holds fewer than 900 residents, and the impact of visitation is significant to community infrastructure. This has created a need for a sustainable solution for vehicular and pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, parking, drainage/utilities, dark sky initiative lighting, roadways and sidewalks, public restrooms and signage.
On June 14, 2012, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk, and other leaders highlighted the tourism and economic benefits of the project by signing the MOU.
PARTNERSHIP
The Gardiner Gateway Project will be phased over the span of 3 years pending secured funding. This would not be possible without the cooperation and resounding support of the following agencies: the United States Department of the Interior; National Park Service; Gardiner Chamber of Commerce; Greater Gardiner Community Council; Park County, Montana; Montana Department of Transportation; State of Montana, Governor’s Office; Western Federal Lands Highway Division, Federal Highways; Yellowstone Association; Yellowstone Park Foundation; National Park Foundation; Montana Department of Commerce; Yellowstone Country Montana, Inc; and Gallatin National Forest.
THE PROJECT
In October 2011, the NPS Intermountain Regional Director signed the Finding of No Significant impact for the scope of work on the NPS North Entrance project.
NPS NORTH ENTRANCE PROJECT
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
NORTH ENTRANCE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Local and state officials responded to the approved North Entrance (NPS) project and completed preliminary engineering for local, county, and state portions of the project forming what is now called the “Gardiner Gateway Project”.
A phased approach to engineering and construction will allow improvements to occur while maintaining access to local businesses, the Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park.
PHASE 1: TO BE COMPLETED BY 2014
Main street and Park Street infrastructure improvements will include upgrades to water mains and the drainage conveyance system.
Arch Park and surrounding areas will feature design elements that provide universal accessibility and connectivity between the Arch, Arch Park, and Downtown Gardiner.
The Roosevelt Arch bypass road will help alleviate traffic congestion and safety issues around the Arch.
Arch park and the proposed amphitheater will feature the historic architectural character of the Arch.
Universally accessible bus loading and pedestrian access will provide visitors safe access to local amenities in Downtown Gardiner.
PHASE 2: TO BE COMPLETED BY 2015
The reconstructed Gardiner Depot will reflect the architectural character and features of the original Robert Reamer design. It will serve as the Gardiner Depot Library and multi-use facility.
The Gardiner, Montana Welcome Center will offer visitor information, public restrooms, and historical interpretation of the nation's first gateway community.
Final work will take place on Main street and Park Street infrastructure improvements. Additional improvements to side streets (3rd street, 2nd street, 1st street) and the Yellowstone River access will occur.
PHASE 3: TO BE COMPLETED BY 2016
The Gardiner Transportation Center and North Entrance roads will be completed in conjunction with renovation of the North Entrance station.
Improvements to US Highway 89 will take place in conjunction with an already scheduled MDOT resurfacing project.
