As the busy Labor Day weekend approaches, Arizona Department of Transportation officials are urging motorists traveling on Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge to be prepared for delays and to be aware of an existing construction zone in the Gorge.
Delays of up to two hours are being expected this weekend. This time frame is consistent with delays reported on previous holiday travel weekends during the project.
ADOT is currently working on a major reconstruction project on Virgin River Bridge No. 6 at Arizona milepost 16, located about 20 miles south of St. George. While no active construction will be taking place during the holiday weekend, the highway is currently narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone. This traffic pattern will continue until the project is completed in 2016.
The $27 million project includes the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure – girders, deck and railings – as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the gorge.
With limited alternate routes due to the remote location of the I-15 Virgin River Gorge corridor, ADOT urges drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down and drive carefully through the work zone, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
There is an alternate route for individuals seeking to avoid heavy traffic through the Gorge. Travellers may take Highway 91 which bypasses the Gorge entirely. The highway intersects the I-15 at Littlefield, Arizona at I-15 exit 8. It connects to the City of Santa Clara to the north and then drops into St. George via Sunset Boulevard.
To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at http://az511.gov/adot/files/.