In the latest move to improve transportation infrastructure, Utah’s Provo Canyon is slated to see significant changes. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has initiated a multiyear construction project on U.S. Highway 189 near Deer Creek Reservoir. As reported by UDOT, this effort aims to expand the last single-lane stretch of US-189 in the area to a dual carriageway, enhancing safety and easing travel.
Beginning the evening of Monday, Oct. 13, UDOT will temporarily be reducing traffic to a one-way alternation during set night hours to safely commence the expansions. Measure intends to minimize impact on day-to-day transit; these restrictions will be in place from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weeknights, and 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekends. The initiative features the installation of a new traffic signal at the US-189 and State Route 113 intersection, with flaggers on-site to direct the flow of vehicles during work hours.
Drivers navigating the route should anticipate some delays, particularly as crews will occasionally close the road for up to 15 minutes at a time. Vehicles exceeding 11 feet in width will need to seek alternate routes as they will be prohibited from traversing US-189 during construction. As the roadwork progresses, safety measures such as temporary barriers and initial rockfall mitigation will be implemented.
"This project is about making Provo Canyon safer and more reliable year-round," UDOT Project Manager Craig Hancock stated, as per UDOT. He also emphasized the importance of US-189 as a "vital connection for both daily travel and recreation," according to UDOT. Commuters are to expect construction to continue until the fall of 2027, with improvements including enhanced access to Island Beach Day Use Area, improved sight lines, and new wildlife fencing.
