Foot traffic: minimum 24–48 hours after placement in mild Utah conditions (above 50°F). Vehicle traffic: minimum 7 days — ideally 10–14 days in shoulder-season temperatures below 50°F overnight. In cold-weather applications (below 40°F overnight), the cure period is extended, and new concrete must be protected from freezing during curing with insulated blankets or a heated enclosure. Concrete reaches its design 28-day compressive strength at 28 days — vehicle traffic before 7–10 days risks surface marking and reduced long-term performance. Never apply de-icing chemicals to concrete during the first winter (12 months) after placement — the concrete’s pore structure is still developing and is more susceptible to salt-induced scaling. Sand is the appropriate traction treatment for new concrete during the first season.