State Route 128: Utah’s Hidden Gem
Imagine driving along a highway that offers breathtaking views of natural arches and canyons, all while following the winding path of one of America’s most iconic rivers. That’s what State Route 128 in Utah has to offer.
A Historical Journey
Originally constructed to connect rural cities with Grand Junction, Colorado, SR-128 now serves as a scenic drive that takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the state. The highway crosses the Colorado River at the Dewey Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and once featured an all-wood deck designed to support heavy loads.
From Pack Trail to Scenic Drive
Access between Moab and Castle Valley was originally via a pack trail called the Heavenly Stairway. This trail, which dates back to the early 1900s, was eventually replaced with a toll road in 1902. The Dewey Bridge, built in 1916, became the gateway for travelers crossing the river and was the second-longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River at its completion.
The Dewey Bridge: A Tale of Two Bridges
One can’t help but wonder about the stories that the Dewey Bridge has witnessed over the years. The original bridge, with its wooden deck and narrow width, was a challenge for drivers with wide vehicles. Drivers had to fold in their side mirrors to safely cross the 8-foot-wide deck. In 1984, an agreement was reached between Grand County Commission and UDOT to balance public demands to retire and preserve the aging bridge.
Preservation and Restoration
The Dewey Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and a replacement bridge was completed in 1988. The original bridge was handed over to the county in 1989. After being replaced for automobile use, the Dewey Bridge served as a bike trail and pedestrian trail until it was destroyed by fire in 2008.
Rebuilding and Recognition
A study determined that the steel cables and towers of the bridge were not structurally damaged and could be reused. The cost of reconstructing the bridge was estimated at $850,000. Today, the Dewey Bridge stands as a testament to both historical preservation and modern engineering.
The Colorado River: A Natural Wonder
State Route 128 follows the southern bank of the Colorado River for over 44 miles. The river runs for over 400 miles in Utah, with only three sites featuring bridges to cross it, including the Dewey Bridge site. The Colorado River is a natural wonder that has carved through rock and created some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Scenic Value and Future Recognition
The highway was recognized for its scenic value as part of the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway and Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway. A petition is currently before the Federal Highway Administration to recognize Route 128 as an All-American Road, a designation requiring ‘enough scenic value’ to be a ‘destination unto itself.’
As you drive along State Route 128, take a moment to appreciate the history and beauty that surrounds you. It’s not just a road; it’s a journey through time and nature.
State Route 128 is more than just a highway; it’s a gateway to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Utah. It invites you to explore, to marvel at the beauty that surrounds you, and to experience the rich history that has shaped this route over the years.
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This page is based on the article Utah State Route 128 published in Wikipedia (retrieved on December 1, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
