The Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) had proposed replacement of the Mike Harris Campground single-lane bridge originally built in 1965, transitioning to a two-lane bridge to better accommodate growing outdoor recreational demands and enhance safety. This initiative addresses rising visitation and population growth in the Teton Valley, which has led to increased traffic congestion along the access routes and heightened demand for larger RVs and trailers. Community input is requested to evaluate the project's potential impacts and ensure it meets the evolving needs of the area.
Key Points
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CTNF aims to replace a single-lane bridge from 1965 with a two-lane bridge for better access to Mike Harris Campground.
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The proposed replacement is due to significant population growth and increased outdoor recreation demand in the Teton Valley.
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Mike Harris Campground has expanded and now represents a large percentage of RV visits in the Teton Basin Ranger District.
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The existing bridge's width (14 feet) is inadequate for the larger recreational vehicles that are now common.
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Traffic congestion has increased along ID-33 and WY-22 due to higher recreational use and population influx.
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CTNF believes improvements to the bridge will open up further development opportunities for the campground area.
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Public input is crucial for analyzing impacts to inform decisions regarding the bridge replacement project.