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Sourdough Canyon trail closed today for improvements.

"People wanted to improve this for over 20 years," said GVLT Trails Program Coordinator Gary Vodehnal.

And starting this week, the improvements are finally happening.

"We're working on constructing a better road and an improved parking area," Vodehnal said.

The Gallatin Valley Land Trust is completing a series of vital improvements that will enhance public safety, recreational uses, and wildlife habitat in the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead. A large part of the project includes improving road safety.

"We do have cars that slide into the creek because it's so narrow and difficult to keep clear of snow," Vodehnal said.

And the improvements will make sliding into the creek less likely.

"There will be a buffer here so it's less likely to slide into the creek," Vodehnal said, pointing at the spot where the road meets the creek.

The $100,000 project will also improve water quality.

"We're going to dig up this portion and save the material," Vodehnal said. "And then transfer vegetation and move away from the creek so there's no pollution in the creek."

Another part of the project is improving the parking lot.

"We're making it bigger, putting in a turn-a-round, expanding capacity, and resurfacing the area so it's easier to park," said Vodehnal.

These improvements have been in the works for about four years, and in a little over a week, they'll finally be complete.

"It's been a long process," Vodehnal said. "And we're happy that we can get it improved and in better shape."

The Sourdough Canyon Trailhead will be closed through Oct. 21.