Traffic advisory: Travel delays in Virgin River Gorge

Traffic backs up on Interstate 15 in the Virgin River Gorge, July 10, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Steve Cox, Ruin Runner Expeditions, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Motorists traveling on Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge Thursday should expect delays. As of 2:33 p.m., traffic was backed up more than 3 miles going northbound.

The backup is due to heavy traffic volume through the construction zone.

Motorists traveling through the area are advised to plan ahead, allow for traffic and construction delays and drive with extra caution.

Motorists are always urged to stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them when driving, Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Sgt. John Bottoms said.

Following too closely, particularly in a construction zone, creates an unnecessary safety risk, which often results in drivers skidding off into the median when the car in front of them stops or slows, he said.

Highway 91 from St. George and Littlefield, Ariz. | Image created on Mapquest.com, St. George News | Click on map to enlarge
Highway 91 from St. George and Littlefield, Ariz. | Image created on Mapquest.com, St. George News | Click on map to enlarge

Alternate route and tips for drivers

Those seeking to avoid the construction work 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 St. George at the north via Santa Clara and Sunset Boulevard. See map included in this article.

Bridge work continues

As the Arizona Department of Transportation continues to make progress on the reconstruction of the Interstate 15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6 in Arizona, the agency is urging drivers to slow down and allow extra travel time as delays are expected while construction continues through the summer.

Current roadwork is focused on the $27 million rehabilitation project for Bridge No. 6. located at milepost 16 on I-15, around 20 miles south of St. George.

Starting sometime in July, single-lane travel in each direction is expected to shift to the new, wider northbound bridge and ADOT will then start work to rebuild the southbound bridge.

The 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 Virgin River Gorge.

Resources

  • 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 888-411-ROAD (7623)
  • For more information about this project, visit the website

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.

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