Travelers this summer to the main entrance to Grand Canyon National Park will find a change that state transportation officials said will make the drive easier and safer.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has added a second northbound lane to State Route 64 for travelers approaching the main entrance to Grand Canyon National Park just north of Tusayan.

The project allowed crews to complete changes in lane stripes and other pavement markings to create a new northbound lane along the half-mile stretch of SR 64 between the Coyote Lane roundabout and Moqui Drive north of Tusayan.

“We’ve partnered with Tusayan staff and the local community to get this work done, creating additional traffic capacity that will help travelers heading north into the park,” ADOT Northcentral District Administrator Brenden Foley said.

Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail said: “Improving traffic flow in this area will promote safer conditions. Congestion over time has led to drivers making unsafe moves, especially with pedestrians in the area.

“It may seem like a simple change, but we know it’s a big step that helps us manage traffic near the state’s top tourist attraction.”