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Show Page A10 - Die CExmgg-Jnbepgnbe- -- Thursday, nt June 9, 2005 UDOT blasts rock overhang to create clearance on SR 128 "... 1 r . a long time coming. Castle Valley turnoff had a tunnel effect. A giant boulder overhang allowed for a height clearance of only 10 feet,- - and By Carrie Switzer At times, cruising State Route 128 (River Road) at the narrow stretch just west ofthe rv tr 7m wuMrwv ft it nearly stretched across the entire eastbound lane. Not anymore. Last Thursday the Utah Department of Transportation used dynamite to blast the boulder, creating a clearance of 16 feet. Its been a safety hazard for a while, said Myron Lee, southeast region director of UDOT. Over the years weve had several accidents because of the low overhang. Just last year a UDOT truck hit it. UDOT worked out a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Land Management, which Lee said is very protective of the rock features through that area. And rightfully so. That stretch of SR 128 is a natural extension of, if not included in, Arches National Park, just across the Colorado River from the blast site. Lee said a maintenance crew that included three people trained in explosives drilled holes through the rock and placed dynamite in the holes. UDOT closed SR 128 for while about a half-hou- r for and cleaning up preparing the blast, which left a small mountain of debris on the road. They had to go up and scale loose rock off the canyon wall to make sure it wouldnt crumble onto traffic, Lee added. coming. Its been a long time M) GSfcro 0 (BOCtooaiiDCDOQiD 0 15. Dynamite was used last Thursday to blast off a rock overhang causing safety issues on SR 128, about 15 miles east of Moab. Pictured above are members of the UDOT maintenance crew certified in explosives handling. After drilling holes in the rock overhang at mile post 14.5, dynamite was inserted and set off a blast, making a 1 ot clearance a 1 ot clearance. photos by A. J. Rogers, UDOT Call Before You Dig two business days before excavation begins Call Wait the Required Amount of Time Give utility owners allowed time to mark underground facilities Mscps Closing shop. Topo maps $1.00 each. Come get Moab LDS Seminary graduates 12 students four School received June 5 for Grand seniors diplomas completing years of County High Saints seminary program. Another three stuthe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-dadents received certificates for partial completion. The 12 graduates were: Russell Walston, Josh Harmison, Ashly Leavitt, Jessie Parmenter, Wesli Barber, Jessica Bleggi, Kpssi Markland, Sarah cerTangren, Emily Bishoff, Amber Day, Geneava Francis, and Rachel Loesch. Receiving three-yea- r tificates of completion were Emily Vancil, Cameron Pruitt, and Andrew Dalton. Pictured above outside the Moab LDS Stake Center following the graduation program are, from left, seminary teacher Ryan Jackman, students Leavitt, Bleggi, Vancil, Bishoff, Parmenter, Pruitt, Loesch, Harmison, Barber, Francis, Walston, -- Photo courtesy of Norman Barber and Tangren. Not pictured are Markland, Day, and Dalton. A dozen instruction in y Respect the Marks Respect and protect markings throughout the duration of the excavation Dig with Care Hand dig with care within h safety zone while exposing underground utilities Dig; Safely. the 24-inc- em! T--I BLUE STAKES OF UTAH Maps Z9 E. NOTIFICATION CENTER, INC. UTILITY www.bluestakes.org Center (800) 662-411- 1 Wkm UVG Bad things happen to good people! Performance understands. We offer: itelstalsli Program re Whether you have been through a Repossession, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, or other credit damaging experience, this program can help you buy the vehicle you need & get your credit Bring In: Drivers License Utility and Phone Bill Recent Pay Check Stub ON SALE JUNE 7, 2005 t .tie in today and let Performance help you re-establi- your Credit! sh STREET MAIN P 1V1 MUSI CyV 4004 Gcsa'C3, Fc7ET.:r.gCca D"! TOLL FREE . 1 E JL 59 S.Main in McStiff's Plaza 259-440- 5 9-- 9 Sun 11-- 8 Open Mon-Thurs |