Road construction on US-89

October 9, 2026

Construction continues on US-89 near Hatch, where crews are building a major culvert crossing to accommodate road widening for a new passing lane. Drivers should expect ongoing traffic restrictions in the area.

As the project moves forward, traffic will shift between sides of the highway to allow crews to excavate and install the culvert extensions.

Heavy earthwork will also occur along the shoulder of US-89 as crews prepare the area for a temporary bypass road. Once in place, the bypass will route traffic away from the excavation site and remain in use until the winter shutdow. Traffic on the bypass will be restricted to a single 12-foot lane in each direction.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Traffic Control

Alternating one-way traffic is controlled by a 24/7 temporary traffic signal. Expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Traffic Shifts

Crews will shift traffic as needed to safely complete the culvert crossing. Please watch for changing traffic patterns and follow posted construction signs.

Avoid Old Highway: Southbound motorists should not use the old highway alignment as an alternate route. This route leads directly into the active construction zone and does not provide a safe path.

Work Hours

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Project Timeline

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.


Please slow down and drive with caution while traveling through the work zone.

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