Zion Mount Carmel Highway reopens but oversized vehicles still not allowed
By Aly Baltrus
The Zion Mount Carmel Highway, the Route 9 connector road through Zion National Park, was closed the evening of March 2 after heavy rains undercut the road. One lane of the road temporarily reopened March 12. However, due to safety concerns, buses and RV’s are still prohibited.
The road will only allow for a single lane around the damaged area and will be managed by a traffic signal. Visitors should obey traffic signals and expect delays. Vehicles sized 7’10” in width or 11’4” in height, or larger, will not be allowed on the road between Canyon Junction and the park’s east entrance. As road repairs progress, the entire road may close periodically.
For oversized vehicles like buses and RV’s, alternate east and west driving routes are available via Highway 59 from Hurricane to Fredonia, Arizona and Highway 14 from Cedar City to Long Valley Junction and Highway 89. People coming from Interstate 15 to the park may access the park as usual by traveling east on State Route 9 through Springdale.
All canyoneering routes on the east side will remain accessible for permitted activities. However, permits will not be issued when road closures are required.
Visitors need to reduce their speed throughout the switchbacks, drive with care, and be alert for falling rocks. Staff are going to try to keep the road open as much as they can, but it is a tight space and they will need to get construction vehicles and materials in and out, too. There is also additional precipitation in the forecast.
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