UDOT: U.S. 89 near Thistle could close again in coming days due to flooding

THISTLE, Utah — Flooding forced the closure of U.S. Highway 89 in both directions near the Thistle Junction with U.S. 6 Sunday night through Monday afternoon.

The highway reopened to traffic around 2:30 p.m. Monday. Even so, Utah Department of Transportation officials warned that it could close again Monday night when the runoff surge arrives in that portion of Thistle Creek from the day’s warm temperatures.

Flood watches and advisories in effect across Utah; US 89 closed at US 6/Thistle Junction

“It’s an area that is known for its flooding,” said Geoff Dupaix with UDOT. “We’re aware of that, and so we’re trying to do what we can to mitigate that or manage it as best as possible.”

In preparation for the heavy runoff this spring, Dupaix said UDOT crews built an embankment along U.S. 89 where Thistle Creek runs immediately adjacent to the roadway. But Sunday night, the water washed away several sections of that embankment.

“That embankment gave way,” Dupaix said. “Then all that excess water just works its way onto the roadway, and when you have two feet of water standing on the roadway, it’s really not safe for motorists to drive.”

Last night, high water in the creek washed over the berm, so we had to close the highway to clean it up and repair the barrier. We are monitoring creeks and rivers across the state and have pre-positioned equipment ready to respond when flooding happens. pic.twitter.com/OLJTX7YMY0

— Utah DOT (@UtahDOT) May 1, 2023

As the floodwaters receded on Monday, workers repaired the embankment.

“When I came through here last night around 11 o’clock, where I’m standing right now was under a foot of water,” said Sgt. Spencer Cannon with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office. “On the other side of the road, it was deep as two to three feet over there.”

VIDEO: Crews work to clear debris from a catch basin for Thistle Creek in Spanish Fork Canyon.

Flooding has closed US-89 in this area for much of the day.@KSL5TV @kslnewsradio @KSLcom pic.twitter.com/mCFEaMLKAk

— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) May 1, 2023

Cannon, who lives nearby, said the detour through Nephi added about an hour to his morning commute.

“Pretty major inconvenience when this road has to be closed like it did last night,” he said.

Cannon warned motorists to watch for water on the roadway in the area and to never attempt to drive through floodwaters.

UDOT, along with law enforcement agencies, will be monitoring U.S. 89 at Thistle around the clock while the hot temperatures stick around.