VIRGIN, Utah – Road construction on the Kolob Terrace Road will cause significant delays for travelers throughout the summer months and into fall, with shorter delays expected now through the end of February.

Parts of the Kolob Terrace Road that run through Zion National Park are undergoing major reconstruction to improve public safety and remedy structural problems.

Survey work on the two stretches, totaling less than 10 miles in length, has already begun; and three-hour blocks of closures will begin March 2. The project should be completed by October 31.

The Kolob Terrace Road, which connects the town of Virgin and State Route 9 with Kolob Reservoir, has an elevation change of approximately 4,000 feet and includes narrow lanes, steep grades, switchbacks, and little to no shoulder.

The road was paved in 1979 without a road base or needed culverts. Over the years, Zion National Park has been patching several areas repeatedly, but the fixes have been short lived.

Increased visitation to the park and heavy vehicle traffic for housing construction on Kolob Terrace has also contributed to the road’s deterioration.

The project will improve the safety of both the residents and visitors that utilize Kolob Terrace Road. The road will be completely rehabilitated, from the base to the asphalt surface. Supporting walls will be reinforced, culverts will be added and the road will be widened in certain areas, including Maloney Hill and Black Canyon.

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 three-hour closure blocks will hopefully allow for residents to get in and out of the area. No work will take place at night; or on weekends or holidays.

People visiting Springdale, the main Zion Canyon and the east portions of Zion National Park via the park’s south or east Entrances, who are camping, accessing the shuttle system, staying at the Zion Lodge or in the town of Springdale, will not be affected. Visitors accessing the Kolob Canyons section of the park from I-15 will likewise not be in the construction area.

The road project is administered by the Federal Highways Administration, and the contractor for the project is Harward & Rees of Loa, Utah.

Construction schedule

Feb. 6 – March 1

• Short delays, no closures.

March 2 – Oct. 31

Monday through Thursday:

• 9 a.m. – noon and 1-4 p.m. – road closed to all vehicles.
• 7-9 a.m. and 4-8 p.m. – expect delays up to 30 minutes.
• Noon – 1 p.m. – expect delays up to 10 minutes.

Friday:

• 7-9 a.m. – expect delays up to 30 minutes.
• 9 a.m. – noon – the road may be closed to all vehicles.

Saturday and Sunday:

• The road will be open to traffic without closure. On weekends, the road surface will be graded gravel in some sections, and the surface may be uneven. Please use caution and low speeds in these areas.

Related posts

•  News short: I-15 lane closures near Exit 5 for bridge inspection; expect delays
• Virgin River Gorge: Bridge demolition starts Tuesday, expect delays; alternate route
• 18-wheeler misses warnings, gets stuck in Zion Tunnel

 

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