BRYCE, UT-Following the 2017 landslide that damaged a section of State Route 12 (SR-12) in Bryce Canyon National Park, the National Park Service (NPS) and Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) co-led an environmental assessment process to improve safety and mobility on SR-12. The purpose of the project has been to ensure long-term road stabilization near the 2017 landslide area, preserve infrastructure, and improve safety. This will be accomplished by providing a transportation corridor with improved mobility and reduced congestion for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Based on the analysis of potential impacts to park resources and values presented in the Environmental Assessment, the NPS has selected Alternative 2 - Full Reconstruction with Roadway Widening Eastbound (South). The selected alternative will formally define the right-of-way of SR-12 through the park and be implemented in three distinct phases, with elements including slope stabilization, drainage rerouting, guardrails, bicycle lanes, and potential future improvements to vehicle lanes in the area of Mossy Cave.
The Finding of No Significant Impact for this project was signed by the Intermountain Regional Director on Sept. 18, 2019. UDOT will be implementing the selected alternative in coordination with the NPS. The project is anticipated to begin next spring.
The park will ensure the public is kept informed as this project unfolds. Improvements to SR-12 in this area are intended to benefit visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park and the surrounding public lands as well as the local communities.
The full finding can be obtained at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/SR12FONSI
Tags: press releases
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
