Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway to reopen Wednesday after weather-related closure

Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway to reopen Wednesday after weather-related closure

(Zion National Park, via Twitter)


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ZION NATIONAL PARK — The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway will reopen Wednesday afternoon after a rainstorm damaged the road earlier this month.

The road, also known as state Route 9 in the park, is set to reopen at 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news release from National Park Service officials.

A March 2 rainstorm caused damage in the area, undercutting the road, according to the news release.

A single lane will be open around the damaged area of the road, and a traffic signal will control traffic in the area, officials said. Drivers should expect delays in the area, and the entire road may still close periodically as repairs continue, officials said.

“Visitors need to reduce their speed throughout the switchbacks, drive with care, and be alert for falling rocks,” Zion spokeswoman Aly Baltrus said in the release. “We are going to try to keep the road open as much as we can, but it is a tight space and we will need to get construction vehicles and materials in and out too. There is also additional precipitation in the forecast.”

Large vehicles, including buses and RVs, still will not be able to use the road, officials said. Vehicles more than 7 feet 10 inches wide or 11 feet 4 inches high will not be allowed on the road between Canyon Junction and the east entrance of the park and will need to use alternate routes, officials said.

Canyoneering routes on the east side of the park will still be accessible, but permits are required, officials said. Permits will not be issued when S.R. 9 is closed, according to the release.

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