After two years of careful planning and construction, visitors to Zion National Park can once again cross the longstanding Emerald Pools bridge—now in a new, safer spot. The popular pedestrian bridge had been closed due to a landslide that compromised its foundation. But thanks to a creative solution (and a 200-ton crane), the bridge is back in action—and better than ever.
Originally constructed in 1983, the bridge itself was structurally sound. Rather than build a new one from scratch, the National Park Service opted to relocate the existing bridge 100 feet upstream, placing it safely outside of the known movement zone. This relocation was the result of two years of surveying, drafting, geotechnical analysis, and environmental planning.
Enter Mountain and our LTM 1200. With tight access, delicate surroundings, and national park visitors nearby, the lift required surgical precision. Our crews safely picked the bridge, rotated it, and set it on a brand-new foundation—built specifically to ensure long-term stability while preserving the surrounding landscape.
Back in service, the original Emerald Pools bridge remains a preserved piece of park history—safely relocated with care and precision. It’s not every day you get to see a 40-year-old bridge take a 100-foot stroll upstream—but when you do, you call Mountain.
Read the official article from the National Park Service here
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