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Highway 9, Utah (Zion/Mount Carmel Hwy)
- Thread starter johngross
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bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
This notice from the NPS:
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the Route 9 connector road through Zion National Park, was closed the evening of March 2, 2019, after heavy rains undercut the road. One lane of the road will temporarily reopen at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2019. However, due to safety concerns, buses and RV’s are still prohibited.
The road will be a single lane around the damaged area and will be managed by a traffic signal. Visitors should obey traffic signals and expect delays. Vehicles sized 7’10’’ in width or 11’4’’ in height, or larger, will not be allowed on the road between Canyon Junction and the park’s East Entrance. As road repairs progress, the entire road may close periodically.
For oversized vehicles (buses and RV’s), alternate east and west driving routes are available via Highway 59 from Hurricane, Utah to Fredonia, Arizona and Highway 14 from Cedar City, Utah to Long Valley Junction and Highway 89. People coming from Interstate 15 to the Park may access the Park as usual by traveling east on State Route 9 through Springdale.
All canyoneering routes on the east side will remain accessible for permitted activities. However, permits will not be issued when road closures are required.
“Visitors need to reduce their speed throughout the switchbacks, drive with care, and be alert for falling rocks,” said park spokesman Aly Baltrus. “We are going to try to keep the road open as much as we can, but it is a tight space and we will need to get construction vehicles and materials in and out too. There is also additional precipitation in the forecast.”
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the Route 9 connector road through Zion National Park, was closed the evening of March 2, 2019, after heavy rains undercut the road. One lane of the road will temporarily reopen at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2019. However, due to safety concerns, buses and RV’s are still prohibited.
The road will be a single lane around the damaged area and will be managed by a traffic signal. Visitors should obey traffic signals and expect delays. Vehicles sized 7’10’’ in width or 11’4’’ in height, or larger, will not be allowed on the road between Canyon Junction and the park’s East Entrance. As road repairs progress, the entire road may close periodically.
For oversized vehicles (buses and RV’s), alternate east and west driving routes are available via Highway 59 from Hurricane, Utah to Fredonia, Arizona and Highway 14 from Cedar City, Utah to Long Valley Junction and Highway 89. People coming from Interstate 15 to the Park may access the Park as usual by traveling east on State Route 9 through Springdale.
All canyoneering routes on the east side will remain accessible for permitted activities. However, permits will not be issued when road closures are required.
“Visitors need to reduce their speed throughout the switchbacks, drive with care, and be alert for falling rocks,” said park spokesman Aly Baltrus. “We are going to try to keep the road open as much as we can, but it is a tight space and we will need to get construction vehicles and materials in and out too. There is also additional precipitation in the forecast.”
Thank you, I appreciate your effort, but I should have said I've already done some basic internet searches. I'm aware of the damage from earlier in the month, but their statement doesn't answer my question if HWY 9 is closed when the park closes.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
The Park never closes, but RV's are restricted to transiting the tunnel during certain hours when opposing traffic will be halted by Rangers.
I learned to drive very carefully on some of the small two lane roads through
canyons, ridge tops and switch backs on long stretch's that do not have turn outs or passing lanes.
One accident could clog traffic both ways for HOURS !!
Pretty scenery, though.
canyons, ridge tops and switch backs on long stretch's that do not have turn outs or passing lanes.
One accident could clog traffic both ways for HOURS !!
Pretty scenery, though.
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THE PILGRIM
Member
The teeny-weenie tunnel is a PITA anyway, all the time.
A lane closure just makes it worse!
Oversized Vehicle Information Travel Times
Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel Escort
An escort fee is required for vehicles 7'10" wide and/or 11'4" tall or larger which usually includes all RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, dualie trucks, and some camper shells. Escorts (rangers) are stationed at both sides of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel to direct traffic. During winter months, escorts are arranged at the entrance stations. The hours are posted seasonally at kiosks before you enter the park from either direction, but it usually late March through late October, escorts are usually stationed at the tunnel from 8am to 8pm daily and in November the time shortens to 8am to 4:30pm. The fee is good for two trips through the Tunnel.
A lane closure just makes it worse!
Oversized Vehicle Information Travel Times
Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel Escort
An escort fee is required for vehicles 7'10" wide and/or 11'4" tall or larger which usually includes all RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, dualie trucks, and some camper shells. Escorts (rangers) are stationed at both sides of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel to direct traffic. During winter months, escorts are arranged at the entrance stations. The hours are posted seasonally at kiosks before you enter the park from either direction, but it usually late March through late October, escorts are usually stationed at the tunnel from 8am to 8pm daily and in November the time shortens to 8am to 4:30pm. The fee is good for two trips through the Tunnel.
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