Veyo, Utah – The small southern Utah town of Veyo has been facing challenges over the Super Bowl weekend as the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) worked on emergency repairs to the Veyo Bridge. During a routine inspection, UDOT crews discovered cracks in the plates that were used to retrofit the bridge, prompting immediate action to prevent further damage. The repairs led to the temporary closure of the bridge, creating disruptions for local businesses and residents.
The Veyo Bridge serves as a critical link for businesses in the area, providing access to customers and supplies. Brittney Lems, the owner of Slice of Veyo Pizzeria, expressed the difficulties she has been facing due to the bridge’s limited access. “It’s hard when customers place an order because then they have to wait that 10, 15 minutes at the light,” Lems said. Despite the ongoing traffic light-controlled one-lane situation, she mentioned that business has been steady, though time-consuming for customers who must wait longer to reach her establishment.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse when UDOT scheduled a full closure of the bridge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 8 and 9, forcing Lems to make the difficult decision to shut down her pizzeria for the weekend. “Our weekends are our heaviest traffic times… and with it being Super Bowl weekend – yeah, it’s going to impact a lot,” Lems said. She also mentioned that most of her workers live outside of Veyo, making it challenging for them to get to work during the closure.
The Veyo Bridge will continue to be partially closed with limited access until February 13. Traffic will be restricted to a single lane in the center of the bridge during weekday closures from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, UDOT has placed restrictions on vehicles weighing over 30 tons until repairs are fully completed.
For businesses like Slice of Veyo Pizzeria, the closures present further challenges. Lems relies on deliveries from St. George for ingredients and supplies. With the bridge closed for several hours each day, she worries that her trucks may not be able to make it to her restaurant in time, potentially leaving her without the necessary stock to operate. “If they can’t get through, we might be out of product until next weekend,” she explained.
While the situation remains difficult, Lems emphasized that the safety of her customers and local residents is her primary concern. “It’s an impact that will hurt but benefit at the same time,” she noted, acknowledging that although the disruptions are challenging for businesses, the long-term repair efforts will help maintain the bridge’s safety for years to come.
UDOT reassured commuters and local residents that the repair work, although inconvenient, is necessary to ensure the bridge remains safe. The department stated that the weekday closures in the middle of the day should not disrupt typical work commutes, as they fall outside of peak travel hours.
As Veyo continues to navigate the effects of the bridge repairs, the community’s patience will be key as UDOT works to restore full access to the vital structure. Local businesses, such as Slice of Veyo Pizzeria, hope that the bridge’s restoration will not only improve safety but also help revitalize the flow of customers and commerce in the area.