PROVO CANYON, Utah – Traffic came to a standstill Wednesday evening after a semi-truck hauling large bales of hay overturned on U.S. Highway 189, forcing the highway to close in both directions as emergency crews worked to clear the scene.
According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred near milepost 18, just on the Provo side of Deer Creek Dam, around 7 p.m. Both southbound and northbound lanes were closed for several hours as crews responded and began the cleanup process.
Semi-Truck Rollover Blocks All Lanes
The Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) confirmed that the crash involved a single semi-truck with a flatbed trailer loaded with hay. The driver reportedly lost control, causing the truck to roll and spill debris across the roadway.
“The semi-truck rolled over and blocked all lanes southbound on US-189,” said Sgt. Mike Alexander with UHP. “Cleanup operations are ongoing, and both directions of travel will be impacted for several hours.”
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the impact caused significant traffic congestion throughout Provo Canyon.
Photos shared by the Utah Highway Patrol show the truck overturned with hay bales scattered across the pavement, obstructing both travel lanes.
Road Closures and Delays
Authorities shut down Highway 189 in both directions to manage the wreckage and ensure safety during debris removal. Drivers traveling between Provo and Heber were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office issued an advisory warning travelers of extended delays, noting that southbound lanes would remain closed for several hours to allow crews to upright the semi and clear the hay from the roadway.
Traffic headed northbound was also temporarily halted to manage the backlog of vehicles trapped in the canyon.
Cleanup Efforts and Public Advisory
Emergency responders, including UHP troopers and local fire departments, worked late into the night to stabilize the scene. Heavy equipment was brought in to remove the hay and tow the damaged truck.
Officials said weather conditions were clear and dry, ruling out poor visibility or slippery roads as contributing factors. The exact cause of the rollover remains under investigation.
Motorists were reminded to exercise caution when driving through canyons, especially when encountering large trucks or narrow mountain roads.
“We ask the public to be patient and stay away from the area until it’s reopened,” Sgt. Alexander said. “Safety for our crews and the public is the top priority right now.”
Alternate Routes and Travel Updates
Drivers heading from Provo to Heber City were advised to use U.S. Route 40 via Park City or Interstate 15 north to I-80 east, depending on their destination.
As of late Wednesday night, UHP reported that cleanup operations were ongoing, but full reopening was expected before Thursday morning’s commute.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for real-time updates on Utah traffic, weather, and road safety alerts as authorities continue to monitor conditions in Provo Canyon.