NPS/Mike Large

Oversized vehicles exit the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

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Date: October 10, 2009
Contact: Ron Terry, 435-772-0160

Superintendent Jock Whitworth has announced that the hours for Zion Tunnel escorts for oversize vehicles will be reduced to 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. effective Tuesday, October 13 through October 24.  This is a change from previously advertised hours.  The change was required to address safety concerns related  to park staff working at both ends of the  tunnel in the dim light of dusk.  From October 25 through October 31, hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Beginning November 1, the hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through the winter.  Oversize vehicles must travel through the tunnel during these hours. 

Vehicles sized 7 feet, 10 inches in width or 11 feet, 4 inches in height or larger are required to have traffic control through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The tunnel was constructed during the late 1920’s when vehicles were smaller.  Today, many larger vehicles are too large to stay in their lane through the tunnel and must travel down the middle of the road.  This requires oncoming traffic to be stopped while these larger vehicles are driving through the tunnel. The charge for this special service is $15 per vehicle in addition to the park entrance fee.  The fee is good for two trips through the tunnel in a seven day period. 

Some vehicles are prohibited from traveling through the tunnel.  These include vehicles over 13 feet, 1 inch tall, semi-trucks, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, vehicles weighing more than 50,000 pounds, single vehicles over 40 feet long, and combined vehicles over 50 feet long. Bicycles and pedestrians are also prohibited in the tunnel.