Heavy traffic expected on Interstate 15 during Labor Day holiday

PHOENIX — Motorists who travel regularly between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, along Arizona’s stretch of Interstate 15 received some good news today as the Arizona Department of Transportation reopened both southbound lanes temporarily in advance of the busy Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4-7). This area has been restricted due to a major reconstruction project on Virgin River Bridge No. 6 (milepost 16).

ADOT is urging motorists traveling on I-15 in the far northwest corner of Arizona to allow for extra travel time due to expected heavy traffic and be aware of an existing work zone through the Virgin River Gorge on the northbound bridge, which will remain narrowed to one lane.

While no active construction will be taking place during the holiday weekend, delays of up to two hours have been reported on previous holiday travel weekends through the Virgin River Gorge, which is nearly 100 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

Following the extended holiday weekend, ADOT will begin work on the replacing the southbound bridge structure and both directions of traffic will be diverted onto the newly built northbound bridge beginning at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The highway will be narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone until the project is completed in 2016.

This $27 million improvement 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.

To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 511; outside of Arizona dial 1.888.411.ROAD (7623).