ST. GEORGE — Strolling through Springdale is becoming more accessible as the town improves and extends sidewalks in the gateway community to Zion National Park.
Springdale is expanding its sidewalks downtown to help with traffic and safety concerns, Springdale, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Robert George, St. George News
Town Councilman Randy Aton told St. George News they hope to finish the sidewalk project by mid-January. The sidewalks wind through the middle of Springdale on state Route 9, also known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
“Springdale is making an effort to encourage people to get out of their vehicles. We’ve done this in a number of ways and the shuttle buses in town have helped,” he said. “But we’ve been building more sidewalks on both sides of the road, trying to connect all the businesses in town so that people can leave their cars at their hotels and walk to a restaurant in town. We encourage people to get out of the car to cut down on traffic.”
The sidewalk construction started earlier this year near Zion National Park’s south entrance. Aton said work is currently happening between LaFave and Montclair Streets on the lower part of the highway through Springdale.
“I would say two-thirds of it is already done in terms of the sidewalk,” he said. “And it’s just this last little section that they’re just getting started on, but it shouldn’t take that long to finish.”
Construction along State Route 9 has been a theme in town this year and will wrap up in January, Springdale, Utah, unspecified date | Photo courtesy of Robert George, St. George News
Most sidewalks run through Springdale’s commercial area on its east side.
“We really want to make sure that there’s more sidewalk for the commercial establishments on the west side of the road that are not accessed with a sidewalk,” Aton noted. “We’re encouraging people to walk in town once they get to their hotel. … I think most people would like to do that.”
Although it may be an inconvenience with many traffic cones on the road, once the construction is completed, it will improve the pedestrian experience. The town has also added some retaining walls along the route, he added.
“The new sidewalks are going to be a huge plus to cut down on the parking along the street and the overcrowding of the parking,” Aton said.
The councilman also encourages residents to walk or use the shuttle buses to run errands. Aton said he often walks to the shuttle stop and rides the bus to the post office.
“Springdale is doing what we can and this is one of the latest things,” he said. “We are putting those sidewalks over on the other side of the street so people don’t have to cross the street to get to the sidewalk. They can stay on their side and walk down to a business.”
The Mayor of Springdale, Barbara Bruno, told St. George News she favors reducing the number of private vehicles driving through town since residents and tourists can walk, use shuttles or ride bicycles.
“My biggest transportation challenge is getting through town on our only thoroughfare when there is so much visitor traffic,” she said.
Traffic and safety concerns spurred Springdale to expand their sidewalks, Springdale, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Robert George, St. George News
Bruno noted that Springdale is impacted by Zion National Park’s visitation, which has steadily climbed since 2000.
Park officials have stated the number of visitors recorded at Zion National Park increased from about 2.4 million in 2000 to 5 million in 2021. Visitation continues to outpace the attendance recorded before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Utah Department of Transportation is a partner in the project, Springdale Street Supervisor Robert George told St. George News via email.
“It is in their right of way and they funded a portion,” he said.
Additionally, 15 trees and a few benches will be placed near the new sidewalks over the coming weeks, George said.
To comment on the sidewalk construction, which is a part of the Downtown Circulation and Active Transportation plan, you may contact the town’s offices at this link.
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