Rocky Mountain National Park’s largest campground will remain closed this summer due to construction delays, park officials announced Thursday.
The 244-site Moraine Park Campground was shut down last summer for a modernization project, and at the time, park officials said they hoped it would be finished in time to reopen this summer.
“Production in the field did not match the anticipated schedule,” park officials announced Thursday with a news release. “The contractor is working to finish up the project while the weather is good by expediting the delivery of construction materials and increasing crew sizes and/or work hours. Much of the work for this project includes underground utility improvements that will allow for year-round use of the campground for the next several decades, increase the campground’s accessibility, move sites off of sensitive wetlands and create new sites.”
The closure of Moraine Park represents more than half of the 472 developed campsites on the east side of the park. It typically serves about 30,000 campers annually.
Aspects of the project include replacing aging water distribution lines, rehabbing a failing sewer system, upgrading electrical lines and improving storm drainage.
Another project, construction to improve the Fall River Entrance Station, is running behind schedule as well. Thursday’s release said it should be complete sometime during the summer. Initial plans were for it to be finished in 2023. Currently there is only one lane for entry there.
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