Construction workers at Dinosaur National Monument uncovered dinosaur fossils, believed to be from a Diplodocus, during a routine parking lot project, marking the first discovery in over a century.
In a remarkable turn of events, construction workers at Dinosaur National Monument unearthed dinosaur fossils during a routine parking lot project. This discovery marks the first time in more than a century that fossils have been found at the site.
The fossils were uncovered near the Quarry Exhibit Hall after workers removed asphalt in mid-September, revealing dinosaur-bearing sandstone, according to the National Park Service. Park staff identified the remains on September 16, prompting an immediate halt to construction to allow paleontologists to assess the find.
The fossils are believed to belong to a large, long-necked dinosaur known as the Diplodocus, a species commonly found in the area’s historic bonebed. Park officials reported that staff members, a Utah Conservation Corps crew, volunteers, and construction workers collaborated to excavate the remains.
Between mid-September and mid-October, crews removed approximately 3,000 pounds of fossils and surrounding rock. The material is currently being cleaned and studied at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal, where visitors can observe the preparation process in the museum’s fossil lab.
This site had not been excavated since 1924, when fossil removal efforts ceased after a series of early 20th-century digs led by institutions such as the Carnegie Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the University of Utah. Dinosaur National Monument was established in 1915 to protect the area’s rich paleontological resources.
Some of the newly uncovered fossils are already on display at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, often referred to as the “Wall of Bones,” as well as at the Utah Field House museum. The exhibit hall is the park’s most popular attraction, situated atop the original Carnegie quarry, where visitors can view about 1,500 dinosaur fossils still embedded in rock.
Following the excavation, crews completed the parking lot and road improvement project, which included new concrete and asphalt work, as well as accessibility upgrades around the exhibit hall. This project not only enhances visitor experience but also ensures the preservation of the significant paleontological finds.
This discovery highlights the ongoing importance of Dinosaur National Monument as a site for paleontological research and education, providing a glimpse into the prehistoric past for both scientists and visitors alike.
According to the National Park Service, the find underscores the potential for future discoveries in the area, reminding us of the rich history that lies beneath our feet.