ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah - The Kolob Terrace section of Zion National Park may be a great summer getaway, but this summer, access will be limited.
Starting March 2, road crews will begin a complete reconstruction of Kolob Terrace Road through the park. It's a stretch of road that connects Highway 9 with Kolob Reservoir. It was originally paved in 1979, without a proper base or storm drain culverts. Park spokesperson Aly Baltrus said increased use of the old road has made it necessary to rebuild.
"We've just had more vehicles up there," Baltrus said. "There's also been a lot more building recently, so a lot of the heavier vehicles come up with that, but essentially that road is not safe."
The $8 million project will rebuild about 10 miles of road. Crews have already begun doing some survey work. The project is being done in partnership with the Federal Highways Administration.
Road closures will take place as follows:
March 2 - October 31, 2015
Monday through Thursday:
i. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m., the road will be closed to all vehicles.
ii. 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 4:00-8:00 p.m., expect delays up to 30 minutes.
iii. 12:00-1:00 p.m., expect delays up to 10 minutes.
Friday:
i. 7:00-9:00 a.m., expect delays up to 30 minutes.
ii. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., the road may be closed to all vehicles.
Saturday and Sunday:
i. The road will be open to traffic without closure.
There will be a gravel road in place when the area is open to traffic, so drivers will want to go slow. The construction will not affect Kolob Canyon access from I-15.
