Alpine Loop closes for winter
UDOT shuts down Route 92 to cut plowing costs and improve safety until spring.
By Ivan Mori ·
The Utah Department of Transportation has closed the Alpine Loop for the winter season. The closure affects state Route 92 between Pine Hollow in American Fork Canyon and Aspen Grove above Sundance.
John Gleason, the UDOT public relations director, explained that higher-elevation roads often fail to thaw once cold weather sets in. He noted that the agency makes a strategic move to keep these routes closed from November through May. UDOT typically aims to reopen seasonal roads around Memorial Day weekend, depending on weather and road conditions.
The department manages eight seasonal roads across the state, closing them annually to avoid the high costs and challenges of plowing. Gleason stated that from a budget standpoint, it does not make sense to continue plowing these routes. He added that keeping them safe for travel would not be possible without the closures.
As of Monday, two of the eight seasonal roads are closed. These are the Alpine Loop and Guardsman Pass. Drivers can still reach Sundance through Provo Canyon. American Fork Canyon remains the route to Tibble Fork Reservoir, provided weather and road conditions permit travel.
UDOT advises drivers to check its Traffic website for current conditions and updates on seasonal closures.
