$152 million project on highways 162 and 262 sees progress

Crews continue to make progress on the massive $152 million road project in southeastern San Juan County. A major portion of the project is in the finishing stages, with work set to be complete this summer.
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) project is along 53 miles of road along SR-162 and SR-262, in and around Montezuma Creek, from Bluff and Highway 191 to the Colorado border.
Additional improvements include the rebuild of multiple structures, and other road specific enhancements.
Key upgrades include improving and/or reconstructing pavement, improving safety features such as guardrail, cattleguards, signage, and pavement markings, widening or adding shoulders; and rebuilding or improving several dozen culverts and flood prevention infrastructure.
The project includes a new roundabout at the intersection of the two roadways in Montezuma Creek, a new bridge over McElmo Creek, and installation of fiber-optic conduit.
On SR-162 from just east of Bluff to Montezuma Creek, crews began the final surface layer of asphalt in early May, with completion anticipated in early June.
This final lift of pavement will complete the road structure and provide a smoother, more durable driving surface for the traveling public.
In addition to paving, crews will continue working throughout the corridor to complete fencing, guardrails, fiber installation, minor bridge work, signage, additional shouldering, and overall project cleanup.
These activities are expected to continue through the paving period and into mid-summer. Drivers should continue to watch for intermittent lane shifts, reduced speeds, and flagging or pilot car operations in active work zones.
Improvements along SR-262 between US-191 and Montezuma Creek are fully complete, and all guardrail installation and roadside signage across the corridor have been finalized. These huge improvements will help make SR-262 a safer corridor for everyone.
The new roundabout at the SR-162/SR-262 intersection operated under stop control for a period of time, requiring drivers to slow, wait, and take turns to proceed.
Since the roundabout opened, traffic is moving more efficiently through the area, reducing delays and improving overall operations.
This new configuration is designed to enhance safety and mobility by lowering vehicle speeds, improving visibility, and providing clearer navigation with updated signage and roadway features.
Officials state that these improvements will help streamline traffic movements while maintaining consistent flow through the intersection.
Early operations indicate the roundabout is functioning as intended, providing a more efficient and reliable experience for daily travel through the corridor.