Why Utah's SR 153 Won't Fully Reopen Until 2027

A few years ago about this time of year, we started a somewhat regular summer road trip that I enjoy taking, but that road trip will not be happening this summer. If you've never made the journey on Utah Highway 153 from Beaver to Junction it really is worth the trip. The views are amazing.

Even in the best years you should know that a majority of highway 153 is not paved, and the road closes every fall above the Eagle Point resort when the snow hits. But this year, as a result of the Cottonwood Fire, and more specifically the flooding that was a result of the burn scar, the entire highway is closed – even the paved portion from Beaver up to Eagle Point. But, UDOT is working to get the road repaired and open again.

Beaver Canyon reconstruction is moving into a new phase following the approval of $50 million in initial funding by the Utah Transportation Commission.

The money will help the Utah Department of Transportation address extensive damage to approximately 17 miles of State Route 153 caused by flooding and runoff from the Beaver Mountain Fire burn scar. In several locations, portions of the highway have been washed away or severely undermined. UDOT says the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, and additional damage remains possible as storms continue.

UDOT began the project with $350,000 in emergency funding in July and selected a contractor team through a Progressive Design-Build process on August 12. The contractor is expected to begin mobilizing this week, with major permanent reconstruction anticipated to begin in spring 2027.

Immediate Priority Is Limited Canyon Access To Stakeholders

In the meantime, UDOT's immediate priority is providing limited, controlled access for property owners and other necessary users in the canyon. That access will be on an unpaved surface and will not mean SR-153 has reopened to general public traffic. UDOT also says the temporary access will be discontinued when winter conditions make it unsafe or impractical.

The eventual reconstruction will be more than a simple replacement of damaged pavement. UDOT says engineers will incorporate resilient measures designed to address the flooding damage and reduce the risk of similar post-fire impacts in the future.

Courtesy Utah Deparment of Transportation

The closure represents a significant disruption for Beaver Canyon residents, property owners and recreational users, as SR-153 provides access to mountain properties and Eagle Point Resort. Earlier assessments found some sections of the highway so severely damaged that portions of the roadway effectively no longer exist.

For now, motorists are being reminded to stay out of the closed area. UDOT says unstable roadway conditions, runoff, damaged infrastructure, fire-related hazards and construction activity continue to make the canyon unsafe.

The $50 million commitment marks an important step toward rebuilding SR-153, but the larger recovery effort will extend well beyond this year's emergency work.