07/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 16:10
Contact:Zion News Desk, 435-772-0162
SPRINGDALE, UT - On July 17, 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) announced the signing of the South Entrance Redesign Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The project will improve road circulation and safety by realigning the roadway from the South Entrance Fee Station to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Project Scope
The new road alignment project will incorporate roundabouts, reconfigure parking for large vehicles, add a new vehicle and pedestrian bridge, and reroute trails. These changes aim to simplify travel for Zion shuttle buses and facilitate a smoother flow of pedestrians and cyclists in the area of the South Entrance and Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
This work is anticipated to improve roadway circulation by:
"Hikers, bikers, drivers, and shuttle riders are all going to benefit from these improvements. Zion is thankful to the transportation professionals who developed the plan and to members of the public and other stakeholders who shared feedback during our public comment period earlier this year," said Zion National Park Superintendent, Jeff Bradybaugh.
Background
The public scoping period for the Zion Canyon South Entrance Redesign EA occurred from May 16 through June 17, 2022. Comments received from the public were considered by park management in the development of the EA. The EA was released for public review on March 12, 2024, and the NPS accepted comments through April 10, 2024. Forty-nine responses were received during the comment period. All comments on the EA were examined by park management and were considered in the development of the FONSI.