Wasatch Back Travel Tips
Road Work Ahead: Travel Tips for 2026 Construction in Parleys Canyon and Park City

What road construction is happening in Parleys Canyon and Park City this summer?
Over the next few years, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) plans to repave 22 miles of I-80 in Parleys Canyon, improve eight bridges, install 11 miles of fiber optic cable, and upgrade nearly 50 miles of culverts. The work will keep I-80 in good shape for years to come.
In Park City, a new bus rapid transit system is coming to SR-224, and we’re making improvements to two busy intersections.
The Summit County & Parleys Canyon Improved website is a great resource for information on UDOT projects in Parleys Canyon and Park City with construction happening in 2026 and 2027. You can learn about the improvements each project will make, what changes to expect when traveling, and how to contact each team with questions or concerns.
Before you travel, check current travel times and traffic cameras on the UDOT Wasatch Back Road Information page.
Here are some of the big things happening in 2026:
I-80 Paving
We’re repaving I-80 from 2300 East in Salt Lake City to Stillman Bridge in the mouth of Parleys Canyon, providing a smoother ride for drivers and extending the life of the roadway. We expect construction to continue through June 2026.
Construction in Parleys Canyon from Mountain Dell to Lambs Canyon is expected to continue through August 2026.
Expect heavy travel delays while I-80 is reduced to one lane overnight Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. There are also reduced lane widths, with no oversize loads allowed through the work zone.
👉Visit the project website for more information on Mountain Dell paving: udotinput.utah.gov/i80paving
👉Visit the project website for more information on paving at the mouth of Parleys: udotinput.utah.gov/mouthofparleyspaving

I-80 Jeremy Ranch Bridges Reconstruction
In addition to paving on I-80, we are replacing the eastbound and westbound I-80 bridges at the Jeremy Ranch interchange in Summit County. We’re replacing the aging bridges and improving road conditions for drivers.
To reduce traffic impacts and shorten construction time, we’re using the Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) method, building the new bridges next to the existing freeway. This will require lane closures on Homestead Road throughout construction, as well as intermittent trail closures and traffic pattern shifts.
Plan ahead: Next spring (2027), I-80 at Jeremy Ranch will fully close for up to two weekends to remove the old bridges and slide the new ones into place.
👉Visit the project website for more information: udotinput.utah.gov/i80jeremyranch
SR-224 Bus Rapid Transit
High Valley Transit’s project is constructing dedicated bus and mixed-flow lanes from Kimball Junction to Old Town to provide frequent, fast, and reliable transit service along SR-224. The Bobsled Express, nicknamed “The Bob”, is expected to begin service in 2028.
Construction activities in 2026 include utility work, roadway widening, shoulder work, median removals, and station installation. You can expect periodic lane shifts, shoulder closures, and changing traffic patterns. The project will maintain two lanes of travel in each direction whenever possible.
👉Get construction updates and transit info: hvtutah.gov/sr224-brt

SR-224 Marsac Roundabout to SR-248
This project improves road conditions while making pedestrian crossings safer and more accessible. Maintaining roads in good condition helps reduce the need for larger construction projects in the future.
As part of this project, sidewalk crossings will be upgraded to meet ADA standards, ensuring safer and more convenient travel for pedestrians of all abilities. Additional improvements will make it easier to walk through the area and help keep the road in good condition for years to come.
👉Learn more on the project website: udotinput.utah.gov/sr224improved

SR-224 Ute Boulevard Intersection (Dual Left Turns)
We’re adding dual left-turn lanes for northbound and southbound traffic at the SR-224 and Ute Boulevard Intersection and making modifications to the traffic signal to accommodate the additional turn lanes.
We’re adding these lanes to move more vehicles through the intersection, helping reduce congestion and improve safety. These improvements are designed to align with future changes planned through the Kimball Junction Environmental Impact Statement.
👉Visit the project website for more information: udotinput.utah.gov/sr224improved
How can I avoid traffic jams in Parleys Canyon?

- Plan your trip around the paving work schedule (typically Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.). Traffic is especially heavy in the evenings and mornings.
- If a crash is blocking lanes, consider delaying your trip until traffic clears.
- Check our traffic cameras and travel times dashboard before you hit the road to see what you can expect. (See below: “How can I get alerts about impacts to my drive?”)
- Use alternate routes when there’s heavy traffic in Parleys Canyon. SR-224 Empire Pass/SR-190 Guardsman Pass is a scenic byway connecting Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake County. SR-65 East Canyon is another scenic drive option connecting I-80 in Northern Summit County to Parleys Canyon, where drivers can take Emigration Canyon into Salt Lake City.
👉Note: Alternate routes like Guardsman Pass and East Canyon involve steep grades and sharp curves, and they are not suitable for semi-trucks and large RVs.
What alternate routes are available if Parleys Canyon is congested?
Alternate routes are limited. Navigation apps may suggest SR-224 Empire Pass/SR-190 Guardsman Pass or SR-65 at Mountain Dell when traffic is heavy in Parleys Canyon. These routes include steep grades, sharp curves and, in some areas, narrow lanes. They are not suitable for large vehicles, RVs, trailers, or drivers unfamiliar with mountain roads.
Depending on your destination, travelers may also consider US-189 through Provo Canyon or I-84 through Weber Canyon.
How can I avoid traffic in Park City?
- Peak traffic times in Park City are 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Travel outside those hours if your schedule permits.
- Use TravelWise strategies like taking public transit, carpooling, walking, or biking. Park City Transit and High Valley Transit are both free to ride with routes around the city and surrounding area. Learn more about transit options in Park City.
How can I get alerts about impacts to my drive?
- Sign up for text and email updates about the Summit County and Parleys Canyon projects. You can choose to be added to individual projects or all the projects in the area.
- Create a UDOT Traffic account to receive notifications about crashes, construction, and other incidents for a specific geographic area or specific roads you choose.
- Follow the UDOT Wasatch Back Instagram Stories for road status updates, including construction plans, crashes, and road conditions during winter storms. If you want to get push alerts on your phone for every update, click the bell icon on our profile to turn on notifications for all stories.
Four things to know if you’re driving through a work zone:
- Slow down. People are working just feet from traffic. Pay attention to posted speed limits (they may be lower than what you’re used to for the road), and adjust your speed for rain, wet roads, and other weather conditions. Fines for speeding double in work zones.
- Zone defense. Leave extra following distance, at least two car lengths, between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. The most common crash in a highway work zone is a rear-end collision.
- Don’t zone out. Avoid distractions and keep your full attention on the road. Because construction is an ongoing process, changes – like lane shifts or ramp closures – can happen often. Construction vehicles may enter or exit the road, and traffic can slow down unexpectedly.
- Zipper merge. Vehicles should use both lanes until the merge point, then take turns entering the open lane. This helps reduce congestion by as much as 40%. And it’s the law!
