Traffic Live: I-15 through Virgin River Gorge; last update 6 p.m.

UPDATE 6:oo p.m. Traffic volume remains high, however there is no backup at this time, AHP Sgt. John T. Bottoms said at 5:59 p.m.

“It is somewhat sporadic and occurs very quickly with the volume of traffic coming through the Virgin River Gorge,” he said. “Travelers could probably now continue north on I 15 with very minimal delays.”

Ed. note: Refresh story periodically for updates that may be added as as traffic reports are received.

MOHAVE COUNTY, Arizona – Traffic on northbound Interstate 15 is beginning to backup near the Virgin River Gorge, the Arizona Highway Patrol reported Thursday afternoon.

Around 1 p.m., AHP Sgt. John Bottoms reported that northbound traffic is backed up for 3-plus miles and growing near the approach to the Virgin River Gorge.

I would strongly suggest using (Old Highway 91) to avoid any delays,” Bottoms said.

The Arizona Department of Transportation issued a traffic advisory last week warning of heavy holiday traffic through the gorge that would be slowed by construction being done on a series of bridges along the way. Built in the 1970s, the bridges area the focus of a multi-million dollar construction project aimed at reinforcing and updating the structures to modern standards.

Travel in bridge construction zones is restriction to a single lane and slower rates of travel, slow delays are to be expected.

Highway 91 from St. George and Littlefield, Ariz. | Image from Mapquest.com
Highway 91 from St. George and Littlefield, Arizona | Image from Mapquest.com

Alternate route and tips for drivers

Individuals seeking to avoid the heavy traffic in the Virgin River Gorge may take Highway 91 as an alternate route. The highway bypasses the Gorge entirely, intersecting with I-15 at Littlefield, Arizona, to the south, and connecting to the City of Santa Clara to the north, and into St. George via Sunset Boulevard.  See map included in this article.

No matter which route motorists choose, obedience to traffic laws and posted speed limits is advised in order to avoid becoming acquainted with Washington County Sheriff’s deputies or AHP troopers under unfavorable circumstances.

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