The Utah Department of Transportation is currently executing various construction phases for the Zion Canyon Fiber Optics Project. Work includes fiber installation and asphalt paving along SR-9 and US-89, with some activities scheduled through late 2026.
Through October 2, multiple crews are operating in several locations for Phase I and Phase II of the project. In Hurricane, crews are drilling, trenching, and laying conduit along the shoulder of eastbound SR-9 between mileposts 2 and 5. In Zion National Park, crews are paving asphalt along SR-9 between the south and east gates, outside the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway tunnel. This work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from Sept. 24 through Oct. 22. Additionally, crews are performing rock sawing along Watchman, a road accessible only to Zion National Park employees, which may require detours for local traffic.
Phase II construction is also active through October 2. Crews are installing junction boxes north of Alton on US-89 (MP 107-108) and at the junction of US 89 and SR-20 (MP 137-141). Drilling for conduit installation is occurring south of Hatch on US-89 (MP 110-113), while plowing and trenching are being conducted north of Hatch (MP 120-125) and at the US 89 and SR-20 junction. While construction is primarily occurring within roadway shoulders, motorists should expect one-way traffic and delays of up to 15 minutes in certain Zion National Park areas.
The Zion Canyon Fiber Optics Project aims to install over 130 miles of fiber optic cable along SR-9, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, US-89, and SR-20. This infrastructure will support Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices, including traffic cameras, electronic road signs, and weather stations, to enhance real-time traffic management. Phase I began on June 3 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027, while Phase II began on August 24 and is expected to be finished by December 2026.
Due to material delays, the overnight tunnel closures previously scheduled from Monday, September 28 through Wednesday morning, September 30 have been postponed indefinitely. An updated schedule will be posted on the project webpage once available. For questions, the public may contact the information team at 855-663-6800 or via email at zioncanyontechnology@utah.gov.
