An open house is scheduled for March 5 at Bryce Canyon National Park to discuss the park's environmental assessment on a "multimodal transportation plan" that would link the park with Bryce Canyon City.

The heart of the plan is a pathway from Bryce Canyon City just outside the park's entrance into the park, but it also would stress mass transit via a shuttle bus system.

The construction of the path would aid in addressing traffic congestion and safety within the park and the adjacent community of Bryce Canyon City. For those who choose to explore the park by non-motorized means, the path would provide them with a safe travel alternative from Bryce Canyon City, through adjacent portions of the Dixie National Forest, and throughout the Bryce Amphitheater portion of the park.

This project is to "test, implement and refine current and future transportation solutions" for a period of 20 years. Through the project park officials hope to reduce traffic congestion and parking shortages, increase safety and improve visitors’ experiences, eliminate or minimize resource conflicts, and improve connectivity for all modes of transportation, including public transportation, private vehicles, tour buses, pedestrians and bicycles.

The EA has analyzed a range of potential solutions that include expanding parking, increasing shuttle service, encouraging different visitation patterns, and changing park operations.

The park's preferred alternative would encourage such alternative transportation options as the shuttle, tour buses, walking, and cycling. The park would also test the effectiveness of parking expansions, seasonal vehicle restrictions, and parking time limits. Travel information for visitors would also be improved to encourage more sustainable visitation patterns.

The public is invited to attend an open house to review the alternatives considered and provide feedback about the agency’s preferred alternative. The open house will be held on Tuesday, March 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center, Conference Room D, on the top floor of the building.

An open comment period will begin on Friday, February 14. Those wishing to provide comments should submit them in writing as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, March 17.

Comments can be submitted online, or sent to [email protected], or to Bryce Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 640201, Bryce, UT 84764. Respondents should include their name, address and email to be added to the mailing list for more information about this project.