Crews making progress on Highway 162/262 project

ROUNDABOUT OPENING SOON BUT WITH SAFETY FIRST
The crews working on the roundabout in Montezuma Creek are in their final throes of preparation before opening to the public. In recent months, crews have worked long hours to complete paving and permanent lane striping. Active work continues with the installation of the pedestrian sidewalk around the perimeter of the roundabout.
To ensure safety before the official grand opening, roadside signs and road surface directional markings must be in place. This will be quickly followed by powering up and illuminating the area with the new LED downlights.
If all goes according to schedule, estimates are that traffic will be moving through the roundabout as early as January 2026. This will be the long-awaited milestone that allows the traffic management teams to eliminate the temporary bypass road that has been in service since early this year.
It goes without saying that this structure will be a prominent landmark for the Montezuma Creek community! Stay tuned to our project website for additional details.
ROUNDABOUT DRIVING TIPS NOW ONLINE!
Roundabouts may be a new travel experience for many drivers. UDOT has provided a tutorial section on the project website devoted to demonstrating the safety enhancements and proper use instructions when traveling through roundabouts.
While there, don’t forget to check out the drive-through preview video!
SR-162 from Aneth to Montezuma Creek: Crews continue the full reconstruction of the road along this stretch, one section at a time. It has certainly had the greatest impact on large transportation vehicles and requires a safety protocol that restricts all wide-load big rigs, as well as a minimum ground-clearance requirement for trailers. Reconstruction efforts along this stretch are approximately 60% complete and are anticipated to continue through the winter or until weather prevents further progress.
Montezuma Creek to Bluff: The bulk of the main paving along this stretch is complete, with the asphalt shoulder widening efforts recently completed. Plan on a final layer of paving along the stretch that will cap this work as early as next month. What remains are a few guardrail upgrades and off-road signage. Much of the work in 2026 will require minimal traffic control impacts.
McElmo Bridge: While the approaches to the new bridge are still under construction, the bridge is structurally complete. A fresh polymer seal coating was recently applied to the bridge deck to reduce long-term corrosion and ensure a smooth ride for decades to come.
SR-262 from White Mesa Hill to Montezuma Creek:
All paving activity is completed! Short distance flagging at prescribed locations will be required on this stretch to update guardrail and road signage. That work will continue into the Spring of 2026.
LATEST TRAFFIC UPDATES
Plan on wide load restriction on SR-162 until further notice. this includes a minimum 12-inch clearance from ground level will remain in place. There are still varied short distance one-way alternating traffic operations using flaggers and a pilot car throughout the project.
Be prepared to come to a complete stop, be patient, and follow directions from the crews. Please plan on delays between 10-15 minutes or more during peak periods.
Delays have occasionally been significant, but please understand the heaviest delays are behind us. Motorist and crew safety is a commitment that remains paramount to UDOT objectives.
The traffic controls are thoughtfully planned to focus on maintaining safety FIRST while maximizing progress. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the project hotline at any time.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
Work Days are Monday thru Friday and Saturdays as necessary (except holidays), from sunrise to sunset. Estimated Completion date is Summer 2026.