Road construction on US-89

September 30, 2026

Construction activities on U.S. Route 89 just south of Hatch are underway. As early as Monday, Oct. 5, crews will activate temporary traffic signals, requiring alternating one-way traffic through the work zone. The signals will remain in place until construction pauses for the winter.

Over the next couple of weeks, crews will continue extending existing culverts south of Hatch.

As early as Monday, Oct. 12, crews will also begin constructing a temporary bypass road on the west side of US-89. Once complete, the bypass will maintain one 12-foot lane of travel in each direction and will remain in place until the winter construction suspension.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Alternating one-way traffic controlled by a 24/7 temporary traffic signal
• Delays of up to 15 minutes
• Construction-related noise and vibration near active work areas
• Work hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Work south of Hatch will continue through mid-December 2026, followed by a winter construction suspension
• Construction will resume in spring 2027 north of Hatch
• Project completion anticipated in late summer 2027

Drivers should watch for construction equipment, changing traffic patterns, and temporary traffic control through the work zone. Please slow down and drive with caution when traveling through the area.

National Park Access 2026

New International Entry Requirements (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

The National Park Service has implemented a new fee structure for all non-U.S. residents.

• $100 Surcharge: All international visitors (ages 16+) must pay a $100 per-person surcharge in addition to the standard park entrance fee.

• Residency Verification: All visitors must present a government-issued photo ID (Passport, Driver’s License, etc.) at the entrance station to verify residency.

• Non-Resident Annual Pass: A new $250 America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass is available. This pass waives the $100 surcharge for the pass holder and passengers in a single vehicle.

• Applicable Parks: This rule applies to Bryce Canyon, Zion, and 9 other major western parks.

Zion Large Vehicle Access

Large Vehicle Restrictions & Zion Tunnel (Effective June 7, 2026)

Access rules for oversized vehicles on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (SR-9) have changed significantly.

• Permanent Prohibition: As of June 7, vehicles exceeding 35' 9" in length or 11' 4" in height are strictly prohibited from using the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

• No More Permits: The previous "tunnel escort" permit system has ended. There are no exceptions for RVs or trailers exceeding these dimensions.

• Detour Required: Oversized vehicles traveling between Bryce Canyon and Zion must now use SR-14 or UT-59/Hwy 389 (via Cedar City or Fredonia). This detour adds approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of travel time.

• Standard Vehicles: Passenger cars and small SUVs under the height limit can continue to use the tunnel as normal.

US-89 Safety Project Near Hatch

CONSTRUCTION PLANNED SUMMER/FALL 2026

• Where: US-89 near Hatch, Utah — a northbound passing lane between milepost 116.4–118.3, and a southbound passing lane between milepost 114.1–115.8

• What's happening: Road widening, drainage upgrades, guardrail installation, and updated signing/striping

• When: Construction is planned for Summer/Fall 2026 (exact dates TBD, weather-dependent)

• Stay updated: Visit udotinput.utah.gov/us89hatch for project updates and maps, or call the UDOT project hotline at 800-292-3557