What Is the Zion Fiber Construction, and Where Will I Hit It? Quick Answer
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is installing more than 130 miles of fiber optic cable along SR-9, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, US 89 and SR-20. (That is the figure in the project overview; a later section of the same UDOT page says more than 50 miles.) In UDOT's construction update dated October 8, 2026, the work drivers are most likely to notice is:
- Springdale (SR-9, mileposts 28–30): drilling along the southbound shoulder on the west end of town. Expect one-way traffic with minor delays, and pedestrians and cyclists should expect detour routes through the work zone.
- Inside Zion National Park (SR-9, mileposts 38–40): asphalt paving on the west side of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, through about Oct. 22.
- Hurricane (SR-9, mileposts 3–7): trenching and laying conduit along the eastbound shoulder. UDOT anticipates no direct traffic impacts.
UDOT lists the Springdale and Hurricane work through about Oct. 16. Its Oct. 8 update does not list any new tunnel closures. UDOT notes that all schedules can change because of weather, utility and material delays.
| Location | Work | Traffic impact |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane, SR-9 MP 3–7 | Drilling, trenching, junction boxes, conduit on eastbound shoulder (through Oct. 16) | None anticipated |
| Springdale, SR-9 MP 28–30 | Drilling for conduit, southbound shoulder, west end of town (through Oct. 16) | One-way traffic, minor delays; pedestrian and bike detours |
| Zion NP, SR-9 MP 38–40 | Paving west of the tunnel, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon–Thu (through Oct. 22) | UDOT's in-park schedule notes traffic delays |
| Hatch, US 89 MP 104–114 | Drilling, junction boxes (through Oct. 16) | Minimal |
| South of Panguitch, US 89 MP 119–127 | Drilling for conduit (through Oct. 16) | Minimal |
| North of Panguitch, US 89 MP 136–139 | Plowing and trenching, junction boxes, tracer wire (through Oct. 16) | Minimal |
| US 89 & SR-20 junction, then west on SR-20 (MP 18–20) | Plowing and trenching for conduit (through Oct. 16) | Minimal |
Source: UDOT SR-9 Zion Canyon Technology project page, construction update of October 8, 2026. MP = milepost.
Why Is UDOT Running Fiber Through Zion?
UDOT's project page lists four goals for the Zion Canyon Fiber Optics Project:
- Support Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices such as traffic cameras, electronic or variable message signs and weather stations
- Expand and modernize the state's fiber optic infrastructure
- Enhance overall community connectivity
- Partner with local telecommunications companies to jointly use the infrastructure and lower costs
UDOT says the network will support real-time traffic management and incident response. It also says the project will use construction practices meant to limit the impact on Zion's landscape.
When Will the Zion Fiber Project Be Finished?
The project runs in two phases:
- Phase I, which includes the current SR-9 work in Hurricane, Springdale and Zion, began Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and is expected to be finished in spring 2027.
- Phase II, which includes the current US 89 and SR-20 work near Hatch and Panguitch, began Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, and is expected to be finished in December 2026.
UDOT's posted schedule: outside the park, daytime work Monday through Saturday, except holidays, with occasional night work. Inside Zion, daytime and nighttime work Monday through Thursday, except holidays, with traffic delays. Expect lane shifts and restrictions, heavy equipment and crews.
Will the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel Close Again?
Not according to UDOT's latest update. In September, Zion National Park announced nighttime tunnel closures for the fiber project, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Sept. 21–25 and 28–30, between the tunnel's east entrance and Canyon Junction. The park listed Utah 20, Utah 14 and US 89–Arizona 389–Utah 59 as alternate routes, adding 10 to 45 minutes depending on destination. Those dates have passed, and the Oct. 8 update lists only the daytime paving west of the tunnel.
The fiber work is separate from the Sept. 30 rockfall on the SR-9 switchbacks. For that closure, the reopening and the temporary gravel section, see our SR-9 rockfall update. For routes into the park, see our Zion directions guide. Planning a trip over school fall break? Our WCSD fall break guide has the dates.
How Do I Get Updates?
UDOT's public information team takes questions at 855-663-6800 or [email protected]. For weekly construction updates, email that address with "Weekly Updates" in the subject line, or sign up through the form on the project page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there construction in Springdale right now?
Yes. UDOT's Oct. 8 update lists fiber conduit drilling on SR-9 between mileposts 28 and 30, on the west end of Springdale, through about Oct. 16. Expect one-way traffic with minor delays and detours for pedestrians and cyclists.
Is there paving near the Zion tunnel?
Yes. Crews are paving SR-9 on the west side of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, mileposts 38–40, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, through about Oct. 22.
How long is the Zion fiber optic project?
UDOT says it will install more than 130 miles of fiber along SR-9, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, US 89 and SR-20. Phase I is expected to finish in spring 2027 and Phase II in December 2026.
Is the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel closed at night for the fiber project?
The park's announced nighttime closures were Sept. 21–25 and 28–30. UDOT's Oct. 8 update doesn't list any new tunnel closures. Check UDOT's project page before you go, since schedules can change.
Sources: UDOT, SR-9 Zion Canyon Technology project page (construction update of October 8, 2026, project overview and schedule); National Park Service, "Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel Nighttime Closures Announced," September 15, 2026.
