The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is employing drones and LiDAR technology to monitor the Red Canyon Arches, which span over State Route 12 in southern Utah. These efforts aim to prevent erosion and potential damage to vehicles traveling beneath these historic structures.
The Red Canyon Arches were first recognized in 1925 as the original entrance to what is now Bryce Canyon National Park. A century later, they continue to serve as a gateway to the natural attractions of southern Utah.
Phase one of UDOT’s monitoring project began in 2019. It involved using drones, several sensors, and a stationary LiDAR tool to collect data on the arches situated between Panguitch and Bryce Canyon. The drone captured thousands of 2D photos, which were then used to create 3D recreations of the arches. Meanwhile, the LiDAR device employed eye-safe laser beams for scanning through and underneath them. This data allowed engineers to track displacement, rockfall, deformation, or other areas of concern.
Recently secured funding has enabled phase two of the project, set for this spring. Crews will install additional sensors at crucial locations within the arches because some previously installed sensors are damaged or not providing sufficient data.
“These archways are icons in our state,” stated UDOT Region Four Director Kirk Thornock. “By using technology like LiDAR and these new sensors, we are able to keep a close watch on these treasured resources so that families, tourists and locals can continue to be inspired by the stunning and unique nature that exists in our state.”
Following a significant collision in 2019 and other minor incidents in recent years, there has been increased damage to both the arches and their shotcrete—a concrete mix applied onto the surface of the original rock for preservation purposes. Consequently, monitoring efforts have intensified beyond typical biennial assessments.
“We believe good roads cost less,” said UDOT Structures Project Engineer James Corney. “That’s why we’re prioritizing extra monitoring of these arches—because preserving and maintaining our roads instead of responding reactively to larger problems costs the taxpayer less in the long run.”
Corney added that sensor placement is being prioritized in non-obtrusive areas so data collection can occur with minimal impact on the natural beauty surrounding the site.
Crews plan to install new sensors by fall 2025 after summer tourist traffic decreases.
