Repaving Project Causes Temporary Shark Valley Closure in Everglades National Park May 6-23
This news story about the temporary closure of Shark Valley in Everglades National Park is based on an April 27, 2023, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.
One of the most popular, if not the most popular, areas in Everglades National Park, Shark Valley is famous for its tourist tram ride, biking opportunities, and, above all, world-class wildlife viewing.
Now, the park announced in a statement, Shark Valley will be closed to all visitors for more than two weeks to repave virtually the whole area.
Repaving Project Causes Temporary Shark Valley Closure in Everglades National Park
From May 6 to 23, the entire Shark Valley area at Everglades National Park will be closed day and night to all visitors for repaving of the entrance road, parking lot, and 15-mile tram road.
The closure is necessary to ensure public safety during construction activities with heavy equipment and to enable the road surface to cure properly.
“While we recognize the inconvenience of this closure in the short-term, the long-term benefits are many,” said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks. “Resurfacing the asphalt is necessary for preserving the quality of the road and will provide a more enjoyable experience for hiking, biking, and riding the tram road.”
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration is funding and managing the project through a contractor. Visitors who disregard the installed barricades, closure signs, and additional security measures will be subject to fines.
Visitors can still experience the Everglades by visiting one of the three airboat concessions on Tamiami Trail, the neighboring Miccosukee Cultural Center, or nearby Big Cypress National Preserve.
The Homestead and Everglades City entrances to the park remain open with a variety of recreational opportunities.
Although tram tours and Shark Valley bicycle rentals will not be available during this time, Shark Valley Tram Tours will still accept online reservations for dates after May 23.
Shark Valley is scheduled to reopen on May 24.
