ST. GEORGE – The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is offering the public a glimpse of archaeology in action along the future Southern Parkway corridor in conjunction with the statewide celebration of Utah Archaeology Week May 7 through May 14.

Archaeologists will guide visitors through discovery sites of ancestral communities constructed over 1000 years ago by prehistoric agriculturalists who lived along the Virgin River. Visitors will be able to observe archaeologists as they work to document history.

Tours will be offered on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Archaeologists are investigating 12 miles of the future construction corridor to identify sites potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Their investigation includes high-precision three-dimensional laser mapping and exploratory trenching to determine the features that lie below the ground surface.

Participants may also gain a better understanding of how respected and acceptable solutions are being reached by projects addressing modern growth, archeological research, and tribal interests.

Parties seeking more information or desiring to schedule a tour time may contact Aubry Bennion at (801) 904-4075.