The National Park Service is accepting public comment for another week on proposed changes to transportation in the main thoroughfare of Glacier National Park.
The NPS has listed five alternatives for the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Management Plan in an effort to address increased visitation and congestion along the main roadway. The list of options includes expanded parking, a larger fleet of free shuttles, an added emphasis on biking opportunities and controlled vehicle entry through a reservation system.
The deadline to comment is June 5.
Glacier Park set a record in 2014 with 2.3 million visitors. The annual total was a 6.7 percent increase over 2013 and marked the sixth time in the last eight years that visitation surpassed 2 million people.
The year-end totals showed a vast majority of people — 1.07 million —entered the park through the West Entrance, a 6.6 percent increase over 2013.
Popular spots, such as the Avalanche Creek area and Logan Pass, continue to experience serious congestion and a lack of parking. This has resulted in safety concerns and resource impacts, according to the agency.
Through its new Sun Road corridor plan, the agency is proposing to reorganize transportation and reduce traffic congestion in the bustling western corridor.