Improvements to US-189 between Wallsburg and Charleston are underway to increase capacity and safety. The project includes the addition of new travel lanes, a new traffic signal at SR-113, and a new entrance at Island Beach.
According to a project update, construction includes a future crossing under US-189 to connect the current Island Beach parking lot to a future parking lot on the east side of the highway. To accommodate this work, traffic has shifted toward the lake onto temporary pavement until summer 2026. Access to the Island area at Deer Creek State Park remains open during the construction process. Additionally, The Lake House Restaurant at Deer Creek remains open during construction.
Traffic patterns have been altered at the north and south ends of the work zone. In the Charleston area, US-189 is reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted north between Deer Creek Reservoir and 3600 South. In this layout, acceleration lanes on US-189 near SR-113 will be removed. Near Rainbow Bay, US-189 is reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted toward the reservoir. Access to Rainbow Bay remains open during this shift.
The project timeline includes northbound lanes reconstruction from fall 2026 through winter 2026, involving paving, striping, and work on guardrails and signage. Southbound lanes reconstruction is scheduled for fall 2026 through summer 2027, which will involve shifting all traffic to the new northbound lanes. Planned intersection improvements at SR-113 and US-189 are expected between summer 2027 and fall 2027.
Drivers are advised to watch for stopped traffic and follow all traffic control devices. The project includes a requirement for drivers to use the zipper merge method when approaching lane reductions. Live traffic updates are available at udottraffic.utah.gov.
