Construction to help enhance the safety and mobility of the Scenic Byway (State Route 12) through Bryce Canyon National Park began Monday morning by the Utah Department of Transportation.

The project, which stretches over 1.25 miles of SR12, is designed to help bring further stability to the stretch of road which was damaged during a landslide in February of 2017. The project follows the environmental assessment made by both UDOT and the National Park Service, when looking at the long term stability and improvements to help sustain future mobility needs through the park.

The project is also expected to provide improved access for vehicles, bikers and pedestrians with a better defined corridor built within the park and regional needs.

In addition to the pavement renovation, the project plans to include a westbound climbing lane to help reduce the speed conflicts and to allow passing opportunities on a steep curvy grade where driver visibility has been limited. The new six-foot wide shoulders will help facilitate more forms of active transportation, such as biking, for a portion of the road while adding in striping, new signage and barriers.

Much of the heavy excavation, drainage and earthwork will take place during the 2020 fall months with paving, barriers and final road stripping set to take place in Spring when temperatures help with these aspects of the project.

Those visiting the park during the following months should anticipate single lane closures as well as alternating traffic and traffic stops of up to 15 minutes during daylight hours.