TRAFFIC NOTICE: SR-162/262 intersection bypass active. See "Traffic Impacts" tab for more details

HOLIDAY SUSPENSION:  All crews will suspend work Friday, May 23 - Monday, May 26

UDOT | Navajo Nation_Logo 

Project Introduction

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) in partnership with the Navajo Nation has received a Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Grant. The Grant will be used to improve safety on SR-162 and SR-262 in San Juan County, Utah.  Additional federal and state funding has been approved with work tentatively scheduled to continue through 2026.

Project Purpose and Improvements

The project objectives are intended to improve safety and pavement along 53 miles of road in San Juan county between SR-162 and SR-262.  Additional improvements include the rebuild of multiple structures, and other roadway specific enhancements. This project will make travel safer, smoother and more convenient for the residents in the area; visitors traveling to Bears Ears, Four Corners, and Hovenweep National Monuments; and workers serving the petroleum extraction industry in the region.  The following is a shortlist of several key upgrades:

  • Improve and/or reconstruct pavement
  • Improve and/or install safety features such as guardrail, cattleguards, extra signage, protected turn lanes, and pavement markings
  • Widen lanes and/or add shoulders
  • Rebuild or improve several dozen culverts and flood mitigation infrastructure
  • Construct a roundabout at the SR-162 and SR-262 intersection
  • Replace the SR-162 bridge over McElmo Creek
  • Install fiber-optic conduit
  • Install over 50 cattleguards at various roadway access points
  • Construct a livestock crossing under SR-162

 

 

 

Job Site Photo 262

Culvert Extension and Headwall Assembly | SR-262 | 021025

 

Shoulder Extension ImageShoulder Extension Image
Shoulder Extensions | SR-262 | 021025

 

 

Cattleguard Image

Completed Cattleguard Installation | SR-162 @ Montezuma Creek | 021025

 

Fiber Optic Image

Trenching for Fiber Optic Conduit Installation | SR-262 | 021025

Schedule Icon  Schedule

complete
complete
Pre-Construction 2024

  • Contractor Advertising (March/April)
  • Contractor Awarded (May)
  • Groundbreaking Event (Aug 13)

Navajo Nation - Aneth Chapter Logo

live
live
Construction Start: mid-August 2024

Work Hours: 7am - 7pm 

Workdays: Monday - Friday (No Holidays)

(Updated as of 5/20/25)

SR-262

US-191 to Montezuma Creek:  Crews continue to move dirt into place adjacent to the road in preparation for shoulder widening additions.  Variable paving activity underway. Traffic control will be required at up to (x2) 1-mile flagging and pilot car operations to maintain safety for crews moving equipment.  Fiber optic install continues.  Motorists should expect no more than light delays at each flagging location.

SR-162

Bluff to Montezuma Creek:  Off-road work continues.  Occasional local traffic control may be necessary.  Delays should be light.

Montezuma Creek to Aneth:    A full reconstruct of the roadway continues with paving in 1.5-mile sections along this stretch.  Be cautious while traveling as the entire depth of asphalt has been removed.  Bumps in the road transitioning from asphalt to dirt.  A single moving flagging and pilot-car operation will be required.  Please plan on up to 10 minutes delays.  

Aneth to Colorado Border:  Traffic control currently active with paving activity along this stretch.  Be prepared to stop for flaggers for one-way alternating traffic.

SR-162 | McElmo Creek Bridge

Bridge foundation abutments and girders in place.  Ongoing bridge work continues.

SR-162/262 | Montezuma Creek Roundabout

The SR-162/262 construction is underway with the bypass detour active.  Please see the "Traffic Impacts" Tab for more details.

planned
planned
Construction End: Summer 2026

Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions and material availability.

Contact Information

To contact the public information team with questions or concerns:

Hotline: 801-838-8364

Email: sr162-262@utah.gov

Website: udotinput.utah.gov/sr162-262

Stay Informed

To receive occasional construction updates, please contact the public information team at the email address above and enter "Updates" in the subject line.