Hwy 89 in Logan Canyon getting new layer of safety for truckers

LOGAN CANYON, Utah — The Utah Department Of Transportation is adding another layer of safety for truckers on a problematic road in Logan Canyon.

Highway 89 in Logan Canyon has been a major trouble spot for truckers, with eight semis losing their brakes and crashing in Garden City over the last five years. The most recent semi crash happened earlier this month.

However, UDOT Spokesperson Mitch Shaw says they are working to install a second brake check area just east of the runaway truck ramp they installed a few years ago.

“We’ll continue to look at it and we won’t ever throw our hands up and say ‘Oh, we’ve done all we can do,'” Shaw says. “We have made quite an investment there.”

Additionally, Shaw says UDOT hopes to have Highway 89 open by fall.

There hasn’t really been one reason pinpointed for semis keep crashing in this area, but Rick Clasby with the Utah Trucking Association says it is doing everything it can to urge drivers to stay focused when going down this steep road.

“Avoid all distractions,” he says. “It’s hard enough driving a big rig as it is.”

Devin Oldroyd contributed to this story.

Further reading

• Arrest made after fatal Logan Canyon crash
• Crash on US-89 in Logan Canyon claims one life, seriously injures child
• French fries dumped on I-15 near Provo after semi rollover
• UDOT urges safe driving around semi-trucks

Follow @AdamSmallKSL