Here We Go Again, I-40 Closed

Above, stopped traffic on I-40 near Coolidge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing I went into Gallup to pick up a strongbox (that I was having re-keyed) and do some quick grocery shopping earlier this morning.

I received the following email from McKinley County:

Per the New Mexico Department of Transportation as of 11:23 a.m.

Eastbound I-40 is closed at mile marker 44 (Coolidge Interchange) while crews repair the roadway through the construction zone. NO DETOUR AVAILABLE. WATCH FOR SLOW MOVING OR STOPPED TRAFFIC. EXPECT DELAYS. This event will be updated on NMRoads.com as conditions change.

It is estimated that the Interstate will be closed for about two hours. I was stuck in stopped traffic yesterday as road crews were repairing a large pothole. It appears the pothole problem is back today.

Fortunately, I am at home and just finished running the mini-bike and Jeep for a while. Despite fixing a couple of things on the Jeep, it is still running a bit ratty (I drove it around the block). I'll have to bring it into the mechanic's when the weather is warmer during spring.

Yellowstone Road Projects To Cause Major Delays

Above, Old Faithful Geyser in eruption. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Road projects that will take place in 2022 and 2023 in Yellowstone National Park will cause "major" road delays for visitors.

The Oil City News reported:

CASPER, Wyo. — The National Park Service is investing about $155 million in improvements within Yellowstone National Park in 2022. Three major projects included in those improvements will lead to “major delays” in both 2022 and 2023, the NPS said in a press release Thursday.

“It’s important the visiting public understand the major delays that will occur in 2022 and 2023 and impacts to the South Entrance Road,” Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly said. “While we always strive to execute projects in the least impacting way, the Old Faithful to West Thumb and Lewis River Bridge projects will seriously disrupt travel entering and exiting the park’s south entrance and visitors should plan accordingly. We very much appreciate the funding received through the Great American Outdoors Act to complete these critical projects.”

Two of the three major projects that will cause major delays in both 2022 and 2023 will also lead to overnight closures of roads within Yellowstone.

To read more, go here. 

Avoiding Dangerous RV Travel Conditions

Above, snow along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Years ago, before the advent of smart phones and the Internet, we had to rely on paper maps, newspaper weather reports and sheer luck while on the road.

Today, there's many resources at our fingertips on avoiding dangerous travel conditions in your RV.

RV Life has an article on how to avoid dangerous conditions.

They begin it with:

Many of us RVers are hitting the road, as full-timers, for an extended vacation, or maybe just for a few quick weekend getaways. But regardless of how we intend to use our motorhome, camper, or fifth wheel, we all need to take time to improve our safety awareness to avoid dangerous travel conditions. 

To read more, go here. 

Most Yellowstone National Park Roads Open Friday

Above, a car drives by volcanic basalt columns in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A sign that the summer vacation season is just around the corner, most Yellowstone National Park roads will be open this coming Friday.

According to K2 Radio:

Yellowstone National Park, weather permitting, will open select roads and services for the season at 8 a.m. Friday, according to a prepared statement from the park on Monday

Visitors should expect modified operations subject to change based on future conditions and public health guidance.

These roads open on Friday:

• West Entrance to Old Faithful.
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris).
• Norris to Canyon Village.
• North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs to Northeast Entrance (open year-round).

However, the road between Canyon Junction and Tower-Roosevelt will be closed for the 2021 season. There will be no access to the Mount Washburn trails.

Initially, some park and partner services will be limited and/or modified, especially in early spring. The park works with partners to safely provide visitors services such as camping, lodging, dining, retail and activities, educational programs, fuel and automotive repair shops, and urgent care clinics.

To read more, go here.