Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway reopens following major rockfall
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway reopened to through traffic Friday, October 9, restoring a major transportation connection between Kane and Washington counties following a large rockfall that damaged the roadway and forced its closure for more than a week.
The National Park Service announced the reopening after crews cleared rock debris and completed temporary repairs to a damaged section of State Route 9, between Canyon Junction and the Great Arch Pullout.
The highway had been closed since September 30, when a large rock formation collapsed onto the roadway, blocking traffic and damaging the pavement. The incident prompted an assessment of the surrounding rock formations and the extent of the damage.
On October 6, the park reopened approximately 7.5 miles of highway between the East Entrance and Great Arch Pullout, allowing visitors to access scenic overlooks and recreational areas from the Kane County side. However, through traffic remained prohibited until Friday.
Crews removed fallen rock and damaged asphalt before placing temporary gravel to restore vehicle access. Approximately 130 feet of roadway remains unpaved, and permanent resurfacing is planned for a later date.
Motorists are being urged to slow down and exercise caution while traveling through the repair area, where workers and construction equipment may still be present.
The reopening restores direct access between Springdale and communities east of Zion, including Mt. Carmel Junction and Kanab. During the closure, motorists traveling between the two sides of the park were required to take lengthy alternate routes through southern Utah.
Existing restrictions on oversized vehicles remain in effect. Vehicles exceeding the park’s established size or weight limits are prohibited from traveling the historic highway.
The park’s South Entrance, shuttle system and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive continued operating during the closure.
Park officials thanked Kane County for its support during the recovery effort and said additional roadway repairs will be completed as conditions permit.
