Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway reopens sooner than expected after rockfall

ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah — A section of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway that officials initially expected could remain closed for several weeks is set to reopen Friday, after crews cleared debris from a major rockfall and made temporary repairs to the roadway.

The 2.5-mile stretch between Great Arch Pullout and Canyon Junction reopened to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians at 9 a.m. Friday, according to Zion National Park officials. The Sept. 30 rockfall damaged the roadway and forced the closure of most of the highway east of Canyon Junction.

After removing rock debris, crews removed damaged asphalt and began placing temporary gravel in affected sections to allow the road to reopen sooner. Permanent repaving is expected to take place in the near future, park officials said in an update Thursday.

Visitors should use caution when traveling through the work area and remain alert for other vehicles and pedestrians, according to the National Park Service.

The reopening comes ahead of the busy fall travel season, restoring the direct driving route through the park between its east and south entrances.