PHOENIX – Motorists traveling on Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge are urged to allow for extra travel time due to expected heavy traffic during this Independence Day weekend and be aware of preexisting construction work in the gorge.
Delays of up to two hours have been reported on previous holiday travel weekends through the gorge.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is currently working on a major reconstruction project on Virgin River Bridge No. 6, located at milepost 16, about 20 miles south of St. George.
While no active construction will be taking place during the holiday weekend, the highway is currently narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone until the project is completed in 2016.
This $27 million 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 available 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 to drive carefully through the work zone and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
Alternate route and tips for drivers
Those seeking to avoid the construction work in the Virgin River Gorge may take Highway 91 as an alternative 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.
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 Arizona DPS troopers under unfavorable circumstances.
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 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
- For more information about this project, visit the website
Related posts
- ADOT completes concrete pour for NB Bridge 6; Virgin River Gorge speed limits
- Crews begin drainage repair work along I-15 in Virgin River Gorge
- Hurricane man busted for DUI, hit-and-run in Virgin River Gorge
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