A traffic mess in Moab

[4runnerguy]

Wanted to warn all who are considering a trip to Moab now through next spring that there is a major construction project on US 191 north of town right now. Last week, it took us between 45 minutes and 1 1/2 hours to get from the back of the line just to the bridge at the Colorado River (UT 128). So in a week, I spent almost 10 hours just waiting in traffic. Not exactly a restful vacation.

One family I talked to got to the back of the line about where UT 313 turns off to go up to Dead Horse Point/Island in the Sky. They arrived at the back of the line at 6:00 p.m. and got into Moab at 9:00 p.m. Yep, three hours!

Even going into town in the morning can take an extra 10 or 15 minutes. And northbound out of town in the a.m. can also get backed up clear into the middle of town as people head north to the parks, to jeep, or to mountain bike.

This project is to last until May, 2021.

[paulj]

I've been to Moab twice. In 88 we drove in on 191, and after a brief stop at the visitor center visited Arches. We used BLM campgrounds on the river. Even when going up to Island In The Sky I bypassed most of 191, using Shafer Trail and Long Canyon.

In the mid 2000s I skipped 191 north of the river entirely, going directly to Dead Horse Pt for camping, and down Long Canyon (under the newish bolder). After a brief stop in town for lunch and groceries, I took 128 to Castle Valley and looped around town via the La Sal Mtns.

Admittedly both trips were in small campers (by RV.NET standards) - a 4x4 pickup with popup camper shell, and a CuteUte (with RT4WD).

When complaining about how ugly the town is, keep in mind that there have only been two businesses there - mining and tourists. Most of the roads/tracks originated with uranium prospectors, and pretty potash ponds are only remaining industry. And tourists come to sightsee and play outside of town.

[Lwiddis]

Yes, but three cheers to UT’s Dept of Transportation for improving their highways.

[Rice]

Wasn't there some sort of big jeep event there last week?