Improvements underway for SE Utah Visitor Center project in Monticello

by Buckley Jensen

A $285,000 grant from the Utah Department of Highways, along with additional funding and assistance from the San Juan Transportation District, will transform the east half of the block at Third South in Monticello, which contains the Visitors Center.

The project includes new curb and gutter and sidewalks for the east and west sides of the block and for access to the front entrance of the museum. A new parking lot is being built behind the Visitor’s Center, with a road and additional curb and gutter running all the way through the block. An RV dump center will also be installed for the convenience of visitors.

Monticello City Manager Myron Lee says the area around the Visitors Center will be a work-in-progress into the future. When the current project is finished, the area will be much more pedestrian friendly.

The area of the block used for the tractor pull and display area will be improved and the antique tractors that have been acquired by the City will be returned to the site.

The centerpiece of the tractor display will be the rare and unique Big 4 Tractor, which has been overhauled and returned to operating condition. The City plans to build a protective structure for the Big 4.

Additional landscaping, and more conveniences for pedestrians and visitors will be added as funds become available. The contractor on the current work is LeGrand Johnson. Work is scheduled to be completed June 4.