May 24, 2017 UPDATE: Here is the information regarding timing I received today from UDOT.

"We are working on getting getting some bids to raise the County road as it connects to SR-18. Once we get the bids we will be able to set the paving date.

"We have also ordered the double arrow sign and will place it opposite the County road on the West side of SR-18 once we receive it. The County is moving forward with their signage as people approach the intersection.

"We are also working (meeting today) on the street light and the cost estimate from Rocky Mountain Power to get the power from the Church to this intersection. The actual light itself will be installed with one of our procurement contractors after we understand the power issue.

"So we are hopeful that within the next month we can have the majority of these issues completed.

Rep.Walt Brooks

Better safety and road design at Hwy 18 near Diamond Valley Dr. (St. George, UT)

***UPDATE: May 4, 2017

According to Rep. Walt Brooks who attended the Meeting on May 1.

The state and county are moving fast on this project: In attendance was the St. George Police Dept., Sheriff, Highway Patrol, County Commissioners, Road Works, UDOT.

A 3 phase plan was proposed.

PHASE 1:

1. Painting fresh and new lines, and Message board with speed trailer, which they have already implemented.

PHASE 2:

1. Raise Diamond Valley Dr., which they will start on immediately, in 1-2 weeks.

2. Pulling power near the church out towards intersection to put in lighting, and a sign that flashes your speed. (3 months).

3. Reduce speed on Hwy. 18. to 55. This is a formal petition process that requires a formal review through a UDOT committee and will take a few more weeks.

4. County rumble strip approaching intersection on Diamond Valley Dr.

5. Adjustment in parking area for volcano.

PHASE 3:

1. Turn lane modification - with 5 foot wide median, to take it out of the flow of traffic. This will also take a while and cost the most (approx $300,000, according to another source.

NOTE: Rep. Brooks said that our petition (406 signatures) was mentioned and was an influence on the speed and the aggressive action being taken !!!

***UPDATE: Sunday, April 16, 2017

There was another accident at the intersection this Sunday morning at about 1:30am.

A friend said he was leaving the valley at 1:20am to pick up his brother. Returning at 1:38am he saw an overturned car in the road, police, and firetrucks approaching. Another friend whose brother is associated with the rescue crews, said it looks like it was alcohol related....developing.....

*UPDATE: Monday, April 10, 12:44pm
I received this note from Rep. Walt Brooks:

Susan,

I was able to get everyone on a phone call and this intersection is getting the attention needed.

The County and Rick Torgerson meet this past Friday at 8am. The county is on board and will take care of the ongoing maintenance and power bills. UDOT are engineering some solutions that will be presented back to the county in 2-3 weeks. I will be there and will ask them to permit some residence from Diamond Valley to attend also.

We already discussed some improvements they most likely will do, but they had another addition that I think will provide better visibility. In addition to LED's on the stop sign, street lights, better lane striping, and adding a turning lane, they believe raising the road elevation from Diamond Valley to the highway will help give the visibility needed for vehicles entering the highway.

I look forward seeing what the UDOT engineers come up with and will notify you when I get more information.

Thanks

Walt