Work to repair a leak on the Transcanyon Pipeline in Grand Canyon National Park will disrupt life a bit for hikers and backpackers and those visiting Phantom Ranch next week.
The repair work is scheduled to begin Monday. The leak is along the pipeline at Phantom Ranch. As part of this repair, the TCP will be turned off and trail closures will be in place to allow crews to fix the existing pipeline. The project is expected to continue through Thursday, February 18.
Repair operations will last each day from approximately 9 a.m.-5 p.m. During this time, visitors should be aware of the following conditions:
- Hikers will not be able to access Phantom Ranch via the Silver Bridge and should be prepared to cross the Colorado River at the Black Bridge via the River Trail or the South Kaibab Trail.
- Drinking water will be unavailable at Bright Angel and Cottonwood campgrounds and the Manzanita Rest Area during the shutdown. Day hikers and backpackers should be prepared to carry all drinking water or be able to treat creek water for drinking.
- Crews must turn off the power to Phantom Ranch from approximately 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day for safety purposes.
Grand Canyon National Park has a large and complex water utility system that provides water to six million annual visitors in addition to about 2,500 residents who live within the park. Visitors and residents on the South Rim will still have access to water during the planned TCP shutdown via a water storage system. However, during the shutdown visitors and residents are encouraged to practice basic water conservation measures.
Comments
With the passage of the "Great American Outdoors Act" last year are there plans to fully replace this water pipeline? Repairs, I understand, but a full retrofit is also needed.