Reconstruction Project To Begin On Rim Trail And Walkways Between Bright Angel Lodge And Verkamp's

Grand Canyon, AZ - The National Park Service will begin a project to repave the rim trail and walkways between Bright Angel Lodge and Verkamp's on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park within the historic district. The project is one of many on-going projects at Grand Canyon National Park designed to improve visitor experience and safety. EPC Corporation (EPC), of Glendale, Arizona, was awarded the contract in July 2003, which also included reconstruction of walkways at Market Plaza, Yavapai Cafeteria and the Shrine of the Ages. These projects were completed last fall.

The reconstruction project is expected to begin the week of April 26th and should be completed by May 28th in time for the Memorial Day Weekend. Any work not completed by May 28th will be completed following the Memorial Day Weekend. The project will be done in phases to minimize impacts to park visitors, residents and business operators. The first phase will include the section of trail between the Arizona Room at the Bright Angel Lodge and the El Tovar near the flagpole, as well as the walkway in front of the Arizona Room. Upon completion of this section of trail, EPC will begin work on the section of trail between the El Tovar and Hopi House. Work on this section is expected to begin the week of May 10th and will include walkways around the parking lot and circular driveway between the El Tovar and Hopi House. The project will conclude with the section of trail between Hopi House and Verkamp's. This last phase is scheduled to begin the week of May 24th.

During the reconstruction effort, temporary walkways and signage will be installed to provide pedestrians with access along the rim and to facilities within the construction area.

For additional information on this project, please contact Michael Leary, National Park Service, Project Manager at (928) 226-0160 or Maureen Oltrogge, National Park Service, Public Affairs Officer at (928) 638-7779.

Note: Construction activities will cease on Friday, May 21st at 4:00 p.m. to allow for the Grand Canyon High School and Middle School graduation ceremonies that are scheduled to place on the lawn of the El Tovar. Construction activities will resume Monday morning, May 24th.