The Journal
An environmental assessment of proposed work on the Mesa Top Loop roads in Mesa Verde National Park has concluded the project will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
Preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required, a news release from Mesa Verde said.
The roadwork will include resurfacing, restoring and rehabilitating the Mesa Top Loop, Sun Temple Loop and Cliff Palace Loop roads. Worn road surfaces and associated parking lots will be repaired, said park spokeswoman Cristy Brown. Roads will be widened to a consistent width, and two-way sections of Mesa Top Loop and Sun Temple Loop roads will be widened to provide 4-foot wide shoulders that also serve as bike lanes.
Asphalt sidewalks and overlooks will be replaced with colored concrete, and a new accessible route with a ramp will be constructed at Sun Point Overlook on Mesa Top Loop Road, Brown said. The juniper shade structure above Balcony House will be replaced.
The previously developed portion of the infield on the Headquarters Loop Road will be converted to a public parking area for 60 vehicles. An accessible trail will be constructed connecting this parking area to the Headquarters Loop parking area.
The existing off-set four-way intersection at the park entrance, Visitor and Research Center and water treatment plant access road will be improved with a roundabout.
Most construction will occur daily for about 12 months during daylight hours. Disturbed areas will be recontoured, revegetated and treated to control non-native plants.
Depending upon funding, the work would begin in spring.
For information, visit www.parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?projectID=70883.
