PROVO, Utah — The popular Alpine Loop Road that runs between American Fork and Provo canyons was shut down on Thursday afternoon after multiple vehicles slid off the road and into the Provo River.
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, two vehicles went into the stream that runs alongside the Alpine Loop. Three people were inside at least one of the vehicles and only minor injuries were reported.
“It is a very narrow road, it's very steep. It's got a lot of turns," said North Fork Fire Department Chief Dave Marsella. "You've got the river on one side and you've got a mountain on the other side. There's very little room for error."
While two vehicles slid off the road, there was a total of four incidents within 25 minutes of each other in the same vicinity.
The weather can turn quickly, changing a beautiful canyon into a dangerous place for drivers. Many are wondering about adding guardrails to the road as a safety precaution. A UDOT spokesperson said they would be willing to discuss guardrails if it's feasible.
But a project such as guardrails could cut into the mountainside to ensure the safety measures have enough space.
The incidents required tow companies to respond to the scene to remove the vehicles.
The Alpine Loop, which is the only way to access the Sundance resort and other locations in the area, was closed in both directions before reopening at 3:30 p.m.
