With heavy traffic anticipated over the long Labor Day weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation has reopened both southbound lanes on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge. However, motorists are still being advised to prepare for traffic delays.
According to Arizona Highway Patrol Sgt. John Bottoms: “We are expecting long delays northbound because it’s only one lane, southbound is a toss-up…We hope it will flow as normal, since two lanes are open… I would plan on one- to two-hour delays northbound and slowing southbound when traffic is at its heaviest.”
Bottoms went on to say that there will be additional officers and maintenance workers over the weekend when traffic is expected to be at its worst.
“We hope it will run smoothly, but the highway can only accommodate so much traffic at one time, so we anticipate it being backed up.”
With long traffic delays and the hot temperatures in the Virgin River Gorge, Labor Day weekend travelers should have their vehicles properly maintained and also have a full tank of gas. It is also recommended that drivers have plenty of water when traveling through the Virgin River Gorge.
While no active construction will be taking place during the Labor Day weekend, delays of up to two hours have been reported on previous holiday travel weekends through the Virgin River Gorge.
With limited alternate routes due to the remote location of the I-15 Virgin River Gorge corridor, the Arizona Department of Transportation 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.
Highway 91 is the alternate route to bypass the Virgin River Gorge. It can be accessed northbound from Littlefield, Ariz., southbound motorists can access Highway 91 through Santa Clara, Utah.
For more information on Labor Day weekend traffic through the Virgin River Gorge, visit the ADOT media website.
