Beaver County

• I-15 | Cove Fort to Manderfield | Bridge Work
• SR-153 | Beaver Canyon Corridor | Reconstruction

Carbon County

• US-6 | Consumer Rd to Carbonville Rd | Safety Project

Emery County

Garfield County

• US-89 | Passing Lanes Near Hatch | Safety Project

Grand County

• SR-128 | Colorado River | Trail

Iron County

• I-15 | Hamilton Fort | Rebuild
• I-15 | New Harmony to Kolob Canyon Drive | Rebuild
• I-15 | South Cedar Interchange | Improved
• SR-143 | Garfield & Iron County | Improved

Kane County

• SR-9 | Zion Canyon | Technology
• US-89 | Southwest Kane County | Improved

Millard County

• I-15 | Cove Fort to Manderfield | Bridge Work

Piute County

San Juan County

• SR-162 & SR-262 | San Juan County | Improved
  

Sanpete County

• Central Utah Fiber | Sevier to Utah Counties | Technology

Sevier County

• Central Utah Fiber | Sevier to Utah Counties | Technology

Wayne County

Washington County

• I-15 | New Harmony to Kolob Canyon Drive | Rebuild
• I-15 | St. George Boulevard to Bluff Street | Improved
• SR-7 | Southern Parkway | Improved
• SR-7 | Southern Parkway | Trail
• SR-9 | Zion Canyon | Technology
• SR-18 Bluff Street | St. George Blvd to Main Street | Renewed
• Northern Corridor | Washington County | Study

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will remove trees along the west side of Main Street between 300 North and 600 North in Ephraim City to address safety risks, declining tree health and an unreliable irrigation supply. The trees are within the U.S. Highway 89 right-of-way. Crews expect to complete the removal between mid-October and mid-November. UDOT has also completed reviews confirming the work will not adversely affect historic properties. Crews will remove the trees outside the nesting season for migratory birds and raptors. To preserve the area’s historic appearance, Ephraim City has planted a row of trees on city property between 500 North and 600 North, outside the highway reight-of-way. The new trees are easier to maintain and have a better-managed water supply. Highway and Public Safety The trees and irrigation ditch are close to Main Street and branches frequently fall onto the highway during weather events, posing a direct hazard to drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, the trees limit driver visibility of pedestrians, road signs, and vehicles entering or exiting adjacent driveways. Deteriorating Tree Health The black willows and other trees along the corridor have reached or are now near the end of their natural life cycle. A recent condition evaluation by an independent third-party arborist confirmed that multiple trees are exhibiting severe structural defects, canopy decay, and poor overall health, making them a significant roadside hazard risk. Loss of Reliable Water Source Historically, the trees were sustained by an irrigation ditch that parallels the highway. This ditch no longer provides a dependable water source. In recent years, the city has resorted to using water from fire hydrants to keep the trees alive. This excessive use of municipal water during prolonged drought conditions is unsustainable and cannot be relied upon to prevent further decline. Environmental Clearances Complete UDOT has completed a thorough environmental review of the project area. The State Environmental Study concluded that the tree removal will not cause significant environmental impacts. Clearances have been secured ensuring no adverse effects on historic properties, and work is scheduled to avoid the nesting season of migratory birds and raptors. Additional Information For a comprehensive overview of the history, safety evaluations, and the coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of this necessary removal, please refer to the complete environmental clearance document available on the button below. Posted: September 24, 2026