Construction Update: August 6, 2026
 

Crews restore a roadside trench along a two-lane highway in Zion Canyon, with traffic cones marking the work area and sandstone cliffs in the background.

Crews perform roadway restoration activities in Zion National Park.

Through August 13, you can expect to see crews, equipment, and traffic control in the following areas:

  • SR-9 MP 28-29 (Rockville)
  • Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
  • SR-9 MP 54-56 (Mount Carmel)

 

Project map showing active work zones in Rockville, Zion National Park, and Mount Carmel.

Current Active Work Area in Rockville, Mount Carmel, and Zion National Park

In Rockville:

  • Crews will be drilling for conduit installation.
  • No direct impacts to drivers are anticipated. 

In Zion National Park:

  • A crew will continue rock sawing and backfilling the roadway along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to install fiber conduit and junction boxes.
  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane controlled by flaggers.
  • Visitors should anticipate moderate traffic delays.

In Mount Carmel

  • A crew will be connecting and tying into existing conduit along eastbound SR-9.
  • No direct impacts to drivers are anticipated. 

Upcoming Work: 

  • Work in Springdale is expected to begin as early as Monday, August 24, 2026. Please anticipate moving operations, minor to moderate delays, pedestrain/bike detours, and noise.*
  • Phase 2 of the Zion Fiber Optics Project along US-89 and SR-20 is expected to begin on Monday, August 17. 
    • Work will occur along US-89 between Mount Carmel and the US-89/SR-20 junction and continue onto SR-20. 
    • Drivers should expect minimal traffic impacts during construction.
    • Pedestrians can expect occasional sidewalk detours. 

*Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather, utility, and material delays.

Project Overview

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), in partnership with the National Parks Service, is undertaking a significant project to install middle-mile fiber optics to support last-mile connectivity to communities along State Route 9 and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. This initiative is part of UDOT's broader effort to expand and modernize the state's fiber optic infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and supporting Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) throughout Utah. 

Work began on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Key Components

  1. Fiber Optic Cable Installation: Over 50 miles of new fiber optic cable will be installed to connect key ITS devices and improve broadband access.
  2. ITS Support: The fiber optic network will support various ITS devices, including traffic cameras, road signs, and weather stations, enhancing real-time traffic management and incident response.
  3. Environmental Considerations: The project will implement environmentally friendly construction practices to minimize the impact on Zion National Park's natural landscape and ecosystem.
  4. Partnerships: Partnering with local telecommunications companies to jointly use infrastructure and lower expenses.

Watch the video below to learn more about the benefits of fiber!

Project Map

Map of the Zion Fiber Optics project corridor in southwestern Utah, showing State Route 9 from Interstate 15 and Hurricane through La Verkin, Virgin, Rockville, Springdale, Zion National Park, and Mt. Carmel Junction. The corridor is color-coded to identify project segments, including UDOT sections in Hurricane, Rockville, and Springdale, the Zion Canyon segment within the park, and the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway.

 

Photos from Past Fiber Installation Projects

Roadside construction along a mountain highway with equipment, traffic barrels, and a worker in safety gear.Aerial view of road construction in a desert area with heavy machinery and workers along the roadway.Worker in high‑visibility safety gear walking beside a trailer carrying large coiled materials at a construction site.
Wide view of highway construction in a desert landscape, with heavy equipment and vehicles working along the roadway below rocky hills.Aerial view of large construction equipment and support vehicles working along a highway in a desert landscape with rocky hills in the background. Aerial view of road construction with a large yellow machine, workers in safety gear, and support trucks parked nearby.
Aerial view of highway construction with heavy equipment and vehicles working in the median of a divided road through a dry landscape.Construction equipment working in a desert area with rocky terrain, showing machinery and workers on a graded site under clear skies.Construction activity along a desert highway, with heavy equipment, support vehicles, and materials staged beside the road with hills in the background.

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Schedule

  • Outside Zion National Park: Daytime work Monday through Saturday, except holidays
  • Inside Zion National Park: Daytime and nighttime work Monday through Thursday, except holidays

Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather, utility and material delays.

Contact Information

To contact the public information team with questions or concerns:

Hotline: 855-663-6800

Email: zioncanyontechnology@utah.gov

Stay Informed

To receive weekly construction updates, please contact the public information team at the email address above and enter "Weekly Updates" in the subject line, or sign up by submitting your information through the form at the bottom of the page.