3-D Laser Scanning of Zion Tunnel will Result in Intermittent Closures

Date: March 6, 2015
Contact: Aly Baltrus, 435-772-0160

Zion National Park will be using a digital three-dimensional scanner to map the inside of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Tunnel to assess its condition. Visitors through the tunnel should expect 20-30 minute delays due to tunnel closures on weekdays between March 12 and 27, 2015.

The tentative project schedule is as follows: 

• March 12, 2015- The tunnel will be closed 3 times for approximately 20 minutes each. 
• March 16-20, 2015- From 6:00-8:00 a.m., the tunnel will be closed for up to 25 minutes at a time. 
• March 23-27, 2015- The scanning may be finished by this time, but if not, it will continue on the same 6:00-8:00 a.m. schedule as the week before. 

The park's cultural resources staff leased the 3-D laser scanners in order to create a digital three-dimensional model of the tunnel. Using this 3-D model, the park will be able to document the tunnel construction materials and methods in a way that would be impossible through any other means without closing the tunnel for extensive periods of time. The digital 3-D model of the tunnel may then be used to assess the condition of the tunnel, assess any damage, obtain measurements of tunnel elements, and assist in park planning.