Big Bend National Park has announced new temporary road closures tied to a Department of Homeland Security infrastructure project, adding to existing closures caused by flood damage.
Under an updated closure order effective Monday, Aug. 10, Glenn Springs Road is closed south of the Pine Canyon junction to River Road until further notice.
Old Maverick Road will be closed Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 12-14.
Park officials said the restrictions apply to all vehicle traffic and are intended to reduce risks associated with what the National Park Service described as an “active, large scale construction project.”
The park cited authority under federal regulations allowing the superintendent to restrict access to areas for public safety and management purposes. The order says the construction project is being carried out by the Department of Homeland Security under authority provided by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act.
Officials said the need for the closures will be assessed on an ongoing basis and additional notices will be issued if roads are reopened or more areas are closed.
The construction-related restrictions come as two other backcountry roads remain closed because of damage from previous flash flooding. Old Ore Road and Black Gap Road are closed until further notice because of unsafe conditions, according to the park.
Several seasonal facility closures also remain in effect. Persimmon Gap, Rio Grande Village and Castolon visitor centers are closed for the summer. Cottonwood Campground is also closed for the summer and is scheduled to reopen Nov. 1.
The Chisos Mountains Lodge restaurant is closed, although a food truck is operating outside the main lodge building daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a closure from 10 to 11 a.m.
Panther Junction Visitor Center remains open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Chisos Basin Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a midday lunch closure.
The Boquillas Port of Entry is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Monday.
How are all of the endangered or threatened plants handling this? I know there are a few out there because I did my graduate work on one of them in the 90’s. I’m pretty pissed right now. Our state and federal governments are destroying a true gem.