Great news out of Zion National Park where after two years of planning, design, and construction, the bridge connecting Zion Lodge to the Emerald Pools Trail system is once again open to visitors.
The Emerald Pools Bridge was closed in May 2023 after a nearby landslide destabilized its attachment to both its concrete abutments and the ground underneath. The bridge was deemed unsafe due to its concrete foundation shifting and crumbling as the ground shifted. National Park Service engineers and outside contractors were brought in to survey the area and found that moving the entire steel bridge just 100-feet upstream would put in on firm ground.
“They also found that the actual steel bridge itself is still safe for use. So instead of building a whole new bridge, the park decided to move it!” -Zion National Park
Construction crews built new concrete abutments which are far better than the previous version as they are designed to be resilient enough to adapt to the everything from flooding, erosion and increase in visitation. When the day finally came to lay the old bridge in its new location, a heavy duty crane was brought in and lifted the steel structure into place and it is now reopened to the public.
“Reopening this bridge restores a critical connection to one of Zion’s most iconic trail systems. We appreciate our visitors’ patience and support as we worked to ensure this structure can safely serve future generations.” -Jeff Bradybaugh, Superintendent of Zion National Park
This project is funded entirely by your fee dollars through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.