Construction begins soon to repair road damage on Kolob Canyons Road/NPS, Brett Loitz
Drivers should be able to expect smooth rides along the Kolob Canyons Road in Zion National Park this winter, as repairs will soon start to rebuild a portion of the road damaged by a landslide earlier in the year.
“Engineers and park maintenance staff developed the plan to repair the road in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration,” said Bry Carter, the park's chief of facilities management. “Just like all construction in the park, we are going to ensure this work complements the natural landscape and improves visitors’ experiences.”
Work, which is set to begin September 25, is scheduled to be finished in winter 2023, but completion is dependent on the weather and availability of supplies. The project will involve:
- Excavating unstable materials and reinforcing the road’s base to a depth of eight feet with geo-grid, structural cloth, and compacted soil.
- Repaving more than 6,000 square feet of pavement.
- Installing ditches, gutter, and curbs to drain the road more effectively.
While construction is happening, the road and all trailheads next to it will be closed to drivers, hikers, horse riders, and bicyclists. The closure is necessary so that the construction contractor can stage equipment, move soil, and store supplies. Please do not enter the closed area and contact Zion wilderness rangers if you had planned to use the Lee Pass Trailhead to access hikes or campsites on La Verkin Creek or Hop Valley Trails.
Background
This past March rangers observed a depressed area on the road and closed it as a precaution. Shortly thereafter, the road began to collapse. The National Park Service worked with engineers from the Federal Highway Administration to assess the site and develop the plan to rehabilitate the road.
