Heber City, Utah – Utah Highway 189, passing Deer Creek Reservoir and leading into Provo Canyon, has been the site of multiple tragic accidents in recent months. The intersection of Highway 189 and Main Canyon Road has been particularly hazardous, with a string of collisions resulting in injuries and fatalities.
On a recent Saturday, 24-year-old Cory Hughes lost his life at this intersection, his motorcycle colliding with a Toyota Prius attempting to cross the highway from Main Canyon Road. This incident is eerily similar to a previous collision in June, where a motorcyclist sustained substantial injuries after colliding with a Toyota Tacoma at the same intersection. Additionally, an earlier wrong-way collision on Highway 189 near Main Canyon Road resulted in the deaths of both drivers.
Sergeant Cameron Roden of the Utah Highway Patrol has pointed out that high speeds have been a significant factor in these fatal crashes. The posted speed limit in the area is 60 miles per hour, with an advisory speed limit of 50 miles per hour for heavier vehicles. Roden emphasized the importance of obeying both the posted and advisory speed limits, particularly given the challenging layout of the intersection with Main Canyon Road.
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has expressed its commitment to improving road safety and is collaborating with the Utah Highway Patrol to explore potential changes in the area. UDOT spokesperson Wyatt Wooley highlighted the thorough study process that precedes any modifications to road infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the effectiveness and safety of any proposed changes.
Both the recent fatal crash and the earlier wrong-way collision are still under investigation, as the authorities work to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances leading to these tragic events. As the community mourns the loss of life on Highway 189, there is a growing urgency to address the safety concerns at the intersection with Main Canyon Road and prevent further tragedies from occurring.