Trailblazers Blaze a New Trail Under I-15

The Mayor of St. George is leading students and local leaders a step or two… or more… toward unifying the city’s services on both sides of I-15 during the inaugural crossing of a new pedestrian tunnel today.

The new facility, valued at $2.8 million, opens a safe route under the interstate at 400 South for cyclists, pedestrians and other forms of active transportation.  The tunnel at the west end of the Dixie State Campus is made possible by a partnership between UDOT, St. George City, Dixie State University and the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization.

“The vision at UDOT is ‘Keeping Utah Moving’.  This project demonstrates a commitment to moving people and ideas as well as connecting services and communities.  UDOT is able to better join with local partners who proactively plan together as we find ways to maintain our transportation network more efficiently.” said UDOT Region Director, Rick Torgerson.

The new 200-foot long tunnel opens up a new corridor to housing, medical and business services for pedestrians and cyclists while expanding campus connections for students attending Dixie State University.  It will provide an alternative to motorized crossings at 100 South and 700 South helping moderate vehicular traffic at those locations.

“I am excited for our students to be able to access this new route to campus,” Dixie State President Richard “Biff” Williams said. “The Trailblazer Tunnel will be particularly helpful for our health sciences students who attend classes at the Russel C. Taylor Health Sciences Center on Medical Center Drive. It has been great partnering with the City of St. George and the Utah Department of Transportation to provide this added connection for our Trailblazers.”

Dixie State University will be adding a mural to the west entrance of the Trailblazer Tunnel. Artists from the community can visit umac.dixie.edu/art-in-the-city/ to apply for a chance to create this unique piece and leave their mark on the newest connection to the DSU campus.