CEDAR CITY — Orange cones have gone up again on one of the busiest streets in Cedar City, but city officials don’t believe it’ll be much of an issue for residents.
City Engineer Kent Fugal told St. George News that the city’s street division, under the Public Works Department, is tearing out concrete to “narrow up the sidewalk so we can create some parallel parking stalls” and constructing additional 90-degree-angle parking for the Cedar City Police Department.
“The Police Department just needs more available parking for the on-duty officers,” he said.
Cedar City’s public information officer, Gabrielle Costello, shared additional information from Fugal via email, saying, “There are only a few of these spots for officers who need to come to city hall on duty.”
Cedar City Police Sgt. Justin Ludlow told Cedar City News the parking lot quickly became congested, especially as the city has grown. But the new spaces will allow them to park closer to the building so they can access their vehicles more quickly when “a hot call comes in.”
The Cedar City Council approved $44,000 to complete the project, but they hope to come in under budget, Costello added.
Additionally, the department plans to update sections of sidewalk connecting to Main Street near the Cedar City Offices.
While active construction is underway, those walking by Cache Valley Bank and the city offices may need to go around or find another route, as the driveway and sidewalk between the two buildings will be closed. Still, Costello said locals shouldn’t have much to worry about.
“I don’t believe it’s really any impact to residents,” she said. “The driveway may just be temporarily blocked off to access the north side of the city hall building (in between us and Cache Valley Bank). And it will only be blocked off when heavy equipment is being utilized.”
People can park in the garage on 100 East, near Festival Hall and Heritage Theater. The sidewalk appears to be open to pedestrians when construction is inactive.
“According to the Streets Division, this shouldn’t be a long project and will likely only be a few weeks to a few short months,” Costello wrote.
Once the project is complete and spaces become available, Ludlow said people should still avoid parking in them.
“We are looking for the public’s cooperation — and it’s hard to keep everyone from parking there that aren’t officers — but the purpose is actually for on-duty patrol officers only,” he said.
Photo Gallery
The Cedar City Public Works Department constructs new parking spaces for the police department, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 21, 2024 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News The Cedar City Public Works Department constructs new parking spaces for the police department, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 21, 2024 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News The Cedar City Public Works Department constructs new parking spaces for the police department, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 21, 2024 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News The Cedar City Public Works Department constructs new parking spaces for the police department, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 21, 2024 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News The Cedar City Public Works Department constructs new parking spaces for the police department, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 21, 2024 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News The Cedar City Public Works Department constructs new parking spaces for the police department, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 21, 2024 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News The Cedar City Public Works Department constructs new parking spaces for the police department, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 21, 2024 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News The Cedar City Public Works Department constructs new parking spaces for the police department, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 21, 2024 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
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