This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Tribune announced that the Utah Transportation Commission approved spending $2.5 million to repair some cracking and flaking in the two arch tunnels in Red Canyon ("Iconic Bryce Canyon gateway tunnels in need of a makeover," Oct. 15).
As an engineer for the highway department in the early 1960s, I was asked to repair the arches leading into Bryce Canyon National Park.
I obtained all of the materials at Richfield. White cement, orange coloring and lightweight aggregate from a local cinder block dealer. A gunite machine was rented locally.
The job took about two days and was done so well that I received a certificate of appreciation from the National Park Service.
The total cost of the project was less than $2,000.
What in the world is UDOT going to do with the $2.5 million that was programmed by the commission? Perhaps gold plating the arches is being considered.
C.V. "Skip" Anderson
Orem