News Release

Road improvements happening overnight in Zion National Park

Map of Zion National Park highlighting access changes during night construction.

NPS Image

News Release Date: July 10, 2022

Contact: Jonathan Shafer, [phone]

UPDATE July 11: Roadwork on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway will continue for one additional night. There will be no through traffic:

• 10 p.m. on Monday, July 11 to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12
• 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12 to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13

This change is for the project contractor to complete additional work on the road's foundation. Read below for more information.

SPRINGDALE, Utah – This week, the National Park Service will improve the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in Zion National Park. While the work is happening, a  construction contractor will close the road from Canyon Junction to the East Entrance. There will be no through traffic:

• 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 10 to 6 a.m. on Monday, July 11

• 10 p.m. on Monday, July 11 to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12

• 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12 to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13

National Park Service maintenance staff planned this work so that it will affect as few people as possible. Managing the construction at night helps us improve the road and ensure visitors will get to enjoy their time in the park. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is scheduled to be open during the day.

The park’s south entrance will remain open during construction. Campers will be able to drive to Watchman and South Campgrounds through the south entrance at Springdale, but no one will be able to drive across the park. If you need to travel across the park while roadwork is scheduled, consider alternate routes such as:

• Utah 20.

• Utah 14.

• US 89 – Arizona 389 – Utah 59.

This proactive construction will keep the road smooth and prevent the need for unplanned closures in the future. It involves removing deteriorated asphalt, patching road foundations, and installing new asphalt.

National Park Service maintenance work protects history and improves Zion
National park roads go to amazing places, and we take special steps to make sure this work protects the landscapes, plants, animals, and history that make Zion National Park special. Engineers and construction workers are improving a historic route originally constructed as part of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel construction project from 1927 to 1930.

Learn more about this historic engineering achievement and other unique aspects of the park on our website or by attending a ranger program during your visit.