Zion Road Construction Update (2)

[ratagonia]

From: zion_newsdesk@...
Date: May 24, 2010 5:37:38 PM MDT
Subject: Zion News Release-Revised Road Construction Schedule

Revised Zion Road Construction Schedule

A road reconstruction project on the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway in Zion National
Park will begin June 1, 2010, and is scheduled to end by October 28. This
historic road, officially opened in 1930, has had no major work since then and
now needs major reconstruction. When completed, the project will provide an
improved, stabilized, and safer road for over two million visitors annually.
Superintendent Jock Whitworth said, "Zion Canyon, the most visited area of the
park, and its famous trails and attractions will remain open and accessible.
Zion National Park will be open for the duration of the project."
>
> Starting June 7, delays and closures in the construction zone will occur
Monday through Friday, with traffic control possible at all other times. This is
a change from the previously announced construction schedule. People travelling
to Zion National Park on SR 9 from Interstate 15 will be able to access Zion
Canyon's attractions and facilities and the businesses in Springdale without
being in the construction area. Only travel between US 89 and Zion Canyon will
be affected.
>
> ZION-MT CARMEL HIGHWAY (TUNNEL ROAD) CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE:
>
> June 7-October 28

> Monday - Friday
> 9:00am-4:00pm
> Closed to travel
>
> 4:00pm-9:00am
> Open under traffic control. Night work/delays.
> No stopping, parking, bicycles or pedestrians.

> Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
> Open 24 hours, traffic control
> possible

> Parking and hiking allowed, except in work areas. No bicycles allowed on the
roadway.
>
> Tunnel Escort Hours for Large Vehicles
> Monday-Friday
> 7:00am-9:00am and 4:00pm-8:00pm
> (until July 31)

> All vehicles 7'10" wide or wider and/or 11'4" 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. After July 31 the
hours may shorten due to lack of daylight.

> Saturday and Sunday
> 7:00am-8:00pm (until July 31)
>
> 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. Due to safety
concerns, bicycles will not be allowed on the roadway for the duration of the
project. Bicyclists wishing to travel between the Canyon Junction and the East
Entrance will need to arrange for a private vehicle to take them all the way
through those two locations.
>
> 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 Friday 9:00am-4:00pm.
>
> 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. This construction schedule offers
the least amount of confusion, less disruption to visitor travel, a safer
experience for travelers and workers, and allows the work to 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. Tunnel escort hours have been extended in the
morning to allow more opportunity for travelers with large vehicles to pass
through the park.
>
> 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 free 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.