YOSEMITE, Calif. The National Park Service is seeking public comment on plans for dealing with vehicle and pedestrian congestion at one of the most popular scenic viewpoints in Yosemite National Park.

The Wawona Tunnel View Overlook is used heavily by park visitors, arriving both on tour buses and in private vehicles, because it offers expansive views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome. It's located close to the east portal of the Wawona Tunnel.

The overlook is designated a national historic site, having been built 75 years ago during the Great Depression when extensive construction and development took place at national parks across the U.S. The overlook helped initiate the Park Service's "rustic"-design style.

A Park Service spokeswoman said very little change has occurred to the tunnel view's physical features, including rockwork, circulation patterns and configuration since it was built in 1932.

An estimate 3,000-5,000 people come to the site daily during the height of visitation season in buses, tram tours and single-family vehicles. All those people have largely overwhelmed the facility.

The Park Services Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation Project is designed to remedy what it calls "long-standing vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian safety issues." It also will:

Fix drainage problems

Enhance and maintain viewing opportunities

Provide accessibility for visitors with disabilities

Improve circulation patterns for pedestrians and vehicles

Correct safety problems associated with the existing Inspiration Point trailhead

An additional goal is to make all of the improvements while maintaining "the natural, rustic character and integrity of this historic site."

Earlier this month, the Park Service opened a public review and comment period for its Tunnel View Overlook Environmental Assessment. Various project alternatives and their environmental impact have been evaluated in the assessment. The review continues to Nov. 2, which is the deadline for submitting written comments.

There will be a public meeting on the project at 1 p.m. Oct. 31, at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.

The environmental assessment has been posted on the park's Website:

www.nps.gov/yose/planning.

Written comments should be sent to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation Project, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389. Fax to: (209) 379-1294, or e-mail to: YOSE_planning@nps.gov.