KANAB — The Utah Department of Transportation is urging motorists to plan ahead for daily three-hour closures of U.S. 89 north of Kanab.
On Wednesday, UDOT began completely closing 3 miles of the highway in both directions, from Kanab north to the Kanab Creek Bridge. Closures will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays until about April 11.
The highway will be open to single-lane traffic for the remaining 21 hours each day and also open on weekends.
Depending on a driver’s origin and destination, suitable detours could take as much time as waiting. The Kane County Office of Tourism, community volunteers and local businesses will be offering some extra hospitality to travelers willing to wait it out.
Initial construction work will be squeezed into an environmentally sensitive area between steep rock cliffs and the eroding creek bank. The $9.8 million project is designed to improve safety and preserve the road for another 20 years by slightly adjusting the alignment, widening shoulders and constructing an acceleration lane at the port of entry.
Due to the dangers associated with blasting, potential rock fall and heavy equipment operations, UDOT urges off-road vehicle operators and hikers to stay clear of the area.
Project information is available at www.udot.utah.gov/kanab89 or by calling the project hotline at 800-253-8946.