Residents tell council off‑road vehicles are damaging Highway 89 right‑of‑way; enforcement and fixes unclear

Residents reported deteriorating ground, dust and safety concerns from off‑road vehicles using the U.S. 89 right‑of‑way between Orderville and Mount Carmel. The complainant said approaches and ruts have worsened, pedestrians and drivers face visibility issues, and residents worry an injury or fatality could occur if conditions do not change.

One resident described steep approaches and erosion that make walking hazardous. Council members and staff noted the state controls the right‑of‑way and that the town has limited authority to restrict ORV use on state highway shoulders. A council discussion noted the state generally prefers ORVs be off the travel lane and that a planned bike path on the far side of the highway could, in some stretches, create a new surface and space that alters where ORVs operate.

Council members flagged several possible mitigation ideas: asking tour companies to require slower speeds (reducing dust when operators travel at about 15 mph), seeking improvements to approaches through agreements with tour companies, looking at whether a widened paved turnout/approach or a dedicated passing area can be paved, and coordinating with UDOT and county staff. The council did not adopt an ordinance or a formal enforcement plan at the meeting and acknowledged that any long‑term solution would likely require state or county involvement.

A county or state fix might include re‑grading approaches or adding rock or pavement; town staff said both tour operators had offered to help with approaches but the right‑of‑way rules limit private work on state property without agency approval. The council directed staff to continue outreach to UDOT and the tour operators and to consider possible local signage or other near‑term measures.