Elevating access and safety above Yellowstone’s iconic canyon

In Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, a critical river crossing near Tower Junction has long connected visitors to key destinations, yet the existing 1961 bridge no longer meets modern safety, access or capacity standards. Narrow lanes and steep approaches as well as limited space for pedestrians create challenges, particularly in harsh winter conditions. Replacing infrastructure in a protected national park introduces added complexity, from sensitive ecosystems and geothermal activity to wildlife movement and short construction seasons. 

The new Yellowstone River Bridge introduces a transformative upgrade: a longer, higher structure spanning 1,285 feet and rising approximately 180 feet above the canyon, aligned with the canyon rim to improve safety and reduce roadway hazards. By easing grades, expanding multimodal access and enhancing resilience, the project ensures safer, more reliable travel. 

Jacobs served as the bridge designer, delivering a solution that balances engineering performance with environmental stewardship in one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes. The design elevates the bridge to canyon level, minimizing excavation and reducing impacts to the surrounding terrain while eliminating steep approaches that previously posed safety risks. The new crossing accommodates pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicles and supports year-round access across the park. 

Through close collaboration with federal agencies and construction stakeholders, we contributed to a resilient, constructible design adapted to extreme site conditions, including geothermal activity and remote logistics. The project improves safety and operational reliability, while enhancing views of the river canyon, delivering a durable transportation asset that respects and showcases the surrounding landscape.