Crews work to reopen Utah highway closed by slide

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) - Construction on a scenic state highway in southern Utah closed by a massive landslide in October has been delayed by unstable geological formations.

The Spectrum of St. George reports state Route 14 likely won't reopen until September. State officials had originally projected the highway would reopen to the public in time for Independence Day.

Some 1.5 million cubic yards of material slid down a steep ravine Oct. 8, destroying nearly a quarter mile of the highway.

The highway is used by residents and tourists to get to grazing land for cattle and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Ranchers have complained that the road closure has had a negative effect on the livestock and tourism industries in southern Utah.

Roughly $10 million in federal funds have been earmarked for the project.

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Information from: The Spectrum

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