Zion Rd Construction

[scubabryan]

Any word if the road construction in Zion has started yet? We need to pass through this coming Saturday and would like to know if we should expect delays. The recording on the NPS website hasn't been updated with any new info.

[thedesertnomad]

The construction has not yet started. It is slated for "mid-May" which can mean May 15th, but I could easily see that mid May could also mean "sometime in June" around these parts. The survey crews were looking at it pretty heavily about 2 weeks ago, but I haven't seen or heard anything on the actual plan of attack. I will be keeping various forums posted on "current conditions" as it will be my daily commute starting next Monday.

[thedesertnomad]

So I just talked with the "soldiers in the trenches" regarding the upcoming switchback construction. They say that the page (http://www.xbarhlodge.com/Whats_New.html) has been updated, but it doesn't seem to have been. They also state that after meeting with the construction crew 2 days ago, ground breaking will start on June 1st and run Monday through Thursdays (leaving the heavy weekend traffic alone). Though all of this information may change, they are attempting to leave some sort of through traffic during the days for locals like me to be able to get to work. I know that a commute from North Fork Rd to Springdale via Kanab or Cedar City would be less than ideal). Any more information and I will be sure to update here and on other forums.

[Cirrus2000]

ground breaking will start on June 1st and run Monday through Thursdays
*ahem* Pine Creek May 21-23 *ahem*. Walk-ins? :popcorn:

[Wasatch]

So I just talked with the "soldiers in the trenches" regarding the upcoming switchback construction. They say that the page (http://www.xbarhlodge.com/Whats_New.html) has been updated, but it doesn't seem to have been. They also state that after meeting with the construction crew 2 days ago, ground breaking will start on June 1st and run Monday through Thursdays (leaving the heavy weekend traffic alone). Though all of this information may change, they are attempting to leave some sort of through traffic during the days for locals like me to be able to get to work. I know that a commute from North Fork Rd to Springdale via Kanab or Cedar City would be less than ideal). Any more information and I will be sure to update here and on other forums.

Thanks for the update/info.

[ststephen]

*ahem* Pine Creek May 21-23 *ahem*. Walk-ins? :popcorn:

I see that they were available for today and tomorrow as walk-ins. Spry too.

[ratagonia]

*ahem* Pine Creek May 21-23 *ahem*. Walk-ins? :popcorn:

Looks like it.

T

[Cirrus2000]

:clap::cry1::clap::eek2::clap::crazy::clap::scared ::clap:

Well, it's good news, but... it involves attempting to get a walk-in permit for Pine Creek at the Zion Backcountry Desk. Which is bad news. Hmmmm. All in all, though, a win by my reckoning.

[thedesertnomad]

Walk in for PC is usually no problemo. I have NEVER been denied and I have tried as late as 2pm for same day. Day of or next day should be a piece of cake! What, no express permit?!?

[scubabryan]

Thanks for the info! We are heading through and up the North Fork Rd tomorrow and it's good to hear they haven't started yet and they will be leaving Friday - Sunday construction free (fingers crossed!)

[ratagonia]

From: zion_newsdesk@nps.gov
> Date: May 14, 2010 1:14:31 PM MDT
> Subject: Zion Road Construction Update
>
> Zion Road Construction Update
>
> Major roadwork will occur in Zion National Park from June 1 st
> through October 28 th , 2010. Zion National Park will remain open
> for the duration of the project. People coming to Zion National Park
> on State Route 9 from Interstate 15 will be able to enjoy Zion
> Canyon’s recreational opportunities, access the park shuttle and
> frequent the businesses in Springdale without being in the
> construction area.
>
> The road construction will occur on the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway from
> the junction of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to the East Entrance.
> The work will affect travel in this area of Zion for those going to
> or from US Highway 89.
>
> Construction work will be Monday through Thursday. All construction
> delays and closures will occur on those days only. The road will be
> completely open Friday through Sunday and Holidays. The schedule of
> closures for the Monday through Thursday work is being finalized and
> will be available the week of May 17th at www.nps.gov/zion or by
> calling 435-772-3256 (press 1, then 4).
>
> Alternate routes of travel between U.S Highway 89 and Zion Canyon
> are Utah State Route 59 from Hurricane, Utah to Arizona State Route
> 389 and Fredonia, Arizona (better for large vehicles) or Utah State
> Route 14 from Cedar City, Utah to Long Valley Junction (high
> elevation/steep grades). During the construction period Monday
> through Thursday, travelers may want to consider using one of these
> roads between Zion Canyon and Bryce Canyon or Grand Canyon National
> Parks.
>
> People visiting Zion Canyon via the park’s South Entrance who are
> camping, accessing the shuttle system, staying at the Zion Lodge or
> in the town of Springdale will not be in the construction zone.
> Visitors in Zion Canyon are encouraged to use the town shuttle to
> avoid possible delays entering the park.
>
> The project will be administered by the Federal Highways
> Administration.. The contractor doing the work is A-T Asphalt and
> Paving out of Saint George, Utah.

[Jaxx]

Pretty much what has already been posted but I want to contribute. We were in Zion this last weekend and asked the bc desk about permits. The Ranger told us that construction should start June 1st and they will not let anyone get a permit once construction starts. Until then it will be walk-ins only for PC, Spry, and Keyhole. No express permits.

[ratagonia]

Finally, the official word:

Zion National Park News Release
May 18, 2010
For Immediate Release
Erik DeGroat 435-772-0180
10-21

Zion Road Construction Schedule
Superintendent Jock Whitworth has announced that reconstruction of the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway will begin June 1, 2010 and end October 28. The road construction will occur from the junction of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to the East Entrance, a distance of 9.5 miles, including The Switchbacks. Delays and closures will occur Monday through Thursday, with Friday through Sunday open for regular traffic. The construction will not impact Zion Canyon, the most visited area of the park. Zion National Park will remain open for the duration of the project. People travelling to Zion National Park on State Route 9 from Interstate 15 will be able to enjoy Zion Canyon’s recreational opportunities, access the park shuttle, campgrounds, and Zion Lodge, and frequent the businesses in Springdale without being in the construction area. Those travelling between US Highway 89 and Zion Canyon will be affected by the following construction schedule.

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE:
June 1-June 4
Short delays, no closures.
June 7-October 28
Monday through Thursday: 8:00am-6:00pm the road will be closed to all vehicles. 6:00pm-7:30am the road will be open for transit only. The last car allowed through will be at 7:30am. There may be short delays if night work is occurring. Tunnel hours: 6:30am-7:30am and 6pm to 8:30pm through July 31. After July 31 the hours will shorten due to lack of daylight. All vehicles 7’10” wide or wider and 11’2” tall or taller are required to have an escort and can only travel during these times. This includes most dual wheeled pickup trucks, recreational vehicles and tour buses.

No vehicles will be able to stop or park at any time between the East Entrance and the junction of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Monday through Thursday. Bicycles and pedestrians will be prohibited in the construction zone. Bicyclists and pedestrians wishing to cross the park Monday through Thursday will need to arrange for a private vehicle to take them between the Canyon Junction and the park’s East Entrance.

Remember that Utah is in the Mountain Time Zone and is one hour ahead of Nevada and Arizona. All vehicles must be through the barricades by 7:30am to drive across the park.

Friday through Sunday: The road will be open as normal. Tunnel hours: 6:30am-8:30pm through July 31. After July 31 the hours will shorten due to lack of daylight.

The road will be graded gravel in the work sections and the surface may be uneven at times. Please use caution and low speeds in these areas.

Alternate routes of travel between Zion Canyon and U.S Highway 89 are Utah State Route 59 from Hurricane, Utah to Arizona State Route 389 (better for large vehicles) or Utah State Route 14 from Cedar City, Utah to Long Valley Junction (high elevation/steep grades). During the construction period, travelers may want to consider using one of these roads between Zion Canyon and Bryce Canyon or Grand Canyon National Parks Monday through Thursday.

The road project will be administered by the Federal Highways Administration. The contractor for the project is A-T Asphalt Paving of St. George, UT. The cost of the project is approximately 6 million dollars and is being funded from a combination of Federal Highways Administration and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies. When the road is completed, it will be the color of typical asphalt. In the near future, it will be chip sealed and regain the red color for which it is famous.

All parties involved in the project worked together to come up with the best work schedule possible given the size and complexity of the project. The concerns of local residents, businesses, and travelers, as well as safety and the impact on park operations were considered. The ten hour closure four days per week allows for the least amount of confusion, less disruption in visitor travel, a safer experience for travelers and workers, and the work can be completed in a shorter time period. With this option, vehicle backups into Springdale associated with construction delays are mitigated and traffic will run normally in the town during work times. The alternative of three, three hour closures per day with delays in between and many more hours of disrupted travel was considered but was deemed unacceptable. Long delays, hundreds of cars backing up, and disruption of work associated with that option would have had a greater impact on the area. Road construction could not be done in winter because it is too cold for paving, winter conditions including fog, frozen ground, snow, and ice are not conducive to road construction, and the dirt sections of the work area would become impassable in wet weather.

People visiting Zion Canyon via the park’s South Entrance at Springdale, Utah, who are camping, accessing the shuttle system, staying at the Zion Lodge or in the town of Springdale will not be in the construction zone. Visitors in Zion Canyon are encouraged to use the town shuttle to avoid possible delays entering the park. Look for blue Park and Ride signs in Springdale and ride the free shuttle to the park entrance.

For updated information, Call 435-772-3256 (press 1, then 4) or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/zion.