Snow Canyon starts $350,000 water infrastructure renovation; impacts on park access

Waterline project, Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, Jan. 8, 2014| Photo by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News

SNOW CANYON STATE PARK – Until April, visitors to Snow Canyon State Park will be faced with access restrictions from a project to replace the park’s half-century-old waterline and install a new 30,000-gallon water storage tank.

Waterline project, Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, Jan. 8, 2014| Photo by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News
Waterline project, Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, Jan. 8, 2014| Photo by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News

“This updated infrastructure will allow us to continue delivering water throughout the park so visitors have functioning water fountains, flush toilets, showers, etc.,” park manager Kristen Comella said.

The project has spent the last eight months in planning. The park worked with Utah State Parks and Recreation, the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management, Johansen & Tuttle Engineering, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and Washington County to make it a reality. Funding was secured by the State of Utah as a qualified capital improvement.

Work started on Jan. 6, after the winning bid of just over $350,000 was awarded to Orton Construction.

The renovation will take place in two phases, construction of the waterline and installation of the storage tank.

“Following completion of the project, the temporary construction fence will be taken down and disturbance areas will be reseeded and restored as needed,” Comella said.

Waterline project, Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, Jan. 8, 2014| Photo by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News
Waterline project, Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, Jan. 8, 2014| Photo by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News

The project will impact Snow Canyon Drive, the main route through the park. Until Feb. 15, access is restricted to one lane, regulated by an automated traffic light, in several areas. Both northbound and southbound drivers can expect delays of at least five minutes.

Additionally, cyclists are encouraged to use Whiptail Trail rather than riding along the road. A map of the park can be found here.

All other facilities, including the campground and trails, will remain open for normal use.

The entire project is expected to be complete by April 1. Progress updates will be posted on the park’s website.

For more information, contact Snow Canyon State Park at 435-628-2255.

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Waterline project, Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, Jan. 8, 2014| Photo by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News
Waterline project, Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, Jan. 8, 2014| Photo by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News

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