The Journal
The National Park Service is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment to evaluate the impacts of improving the existing Mesa Top Loop Roads and the intersection at the park entrance. Most of the approximately 600,000 annual visitors travel the Cliff Palace Loop, Mesa Top Loop and Sun Temple Loop roads, since many of the popular park destinations and points of interest are accessed by these roads.
This EA evaluates three alternatives for improvements to the loop roads, describes the environment that would be impacted by the alternatives and assesses the environmental consequences of implementing the alternatives.
Under the no-action alternative, the current management of the roads would continue with no planned improvements to the road or entrance.
Under alternative B, Mesa Top Loop, Cliff Palace Loop and Sun Temple Loop roads would be rehabilitated. There would also be improved physical accessibility at adjacent overlooks, improved sidewalks and parking areas, additional visitor parking and replacement of the current Visitor and Research Center intersection.
Under alternative C, which has been identified as the preferred alternative, the same improvements as identified under alternative B would be implemented. In addition, the two-way sections of Mesa Top Loop and Sun Temple Loop roads would be widened to accommodate a bike lane.
Upon conclusion of this EA and decision-making process, one of the alternatives would become the long-term management option for the Loops Roads and entrance intersection.
The document is available for review online at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/MEVE. Comments may be submitted electronically via the website. Comments must be received by June 19.
