Traffic advisory: Multiple motorcycle accidents cause delays through 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

MOHAVE COUNTY, Ariz. — Motorists traveling northbound on Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge Friday should expect delays due to several accidents.

The initial delay around noon was due to both heavy weekend traffic and a collision earlier in the day. While the car had been moved from the road, passers-by were still slowing to look, Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Sgt. John Bottoms said.

As of 12:47 p.m., there had been up to eight separate motorcycle accidents, all in the northbound lanes, the most recent near the entrance of the Gorge, Bottoms said.

“We have a lot of motorcycles going to Sturgis, and several riders have lost control and dumped their bikes,” Bottoms said. The 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins Aug. 3 in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Details on these incidents are unavailable as the multiple accidents are dominating the Highway Patrol officers’ attention.

Motorists traveling through the area are advised to 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, 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.

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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7 Comments

  • fun bag July 31, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    can u send someone out to report on the details? 8 is a lot rly…

  • REAL LIFES MOMMY July 31, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    Not when you have idiots like my son out there

  • Real Life July 31, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    How does he do it? Yet another literary masterpiece! This guy is a true phenom. A modern day Mark Twain. His clear grasp on spelling and grammar, along with his witty remarks, make him just glow with knowledge. Unlike a lot of youth today, who resort to internet “trolling” for fun, he writes thoughtful, intelligent comments for all of us to enjoy. I am sure his parents are very proud of his many accomplishments.

  • REAL LIFES MOMMY July 31, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    Aww you poor little thing come sit in mommies lap and tell me all about it

  • mesaman July 31, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    They couldn’t wait to get smashed. (This is a pun,)

    • 42214 July 31, 2015 at 10:57 pm

      Boy o boy mesa, that was really funny. I bet you write the jokes for Tommy Monson when he does stand-up at General conference.

  • REAL LIFES MOMMY August 1, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Well it’s obvious that MESAMORON hangs out with REAL LIFE DORK. it’s amazing how the feed off each other. It’s like 2 maggots on a piece of rotting road kill

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