VIRGIN RIVER GORGE – Heavy traffic has already begun on Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge, likely attributed to the Memorial Day weekend.
“Northbound traffic is backed up about 2 miles to 3 miles northbound,” Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Sgt. John Bottoms said at about 3:50 p.m. MDT, 2:50 p.m. PDT. “We are starting to see a backup starting southbound entering the construction zone, about half-mile maybe or less right now.”
Motorists are advised to always stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them when driving. Following too closely creates an unnecessary safety risk which oftentimes results in drivers skidding off into the median when the car in front of them stops or slows, Bottoms said in a previous interview.
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.
Earthquake impacts
U.S. Highway 95 southbound ramp to I-15 southbound, was closed earlier Friday in response to potential damage incurred as a result of an earthquake that occurred at 11:47 p.m. PDT, 12:47 p.m. MDT near Caliente. As of 3:15 p.m. PDT, 4:15 p.m. MDT, Nevada Department of Transportation has posted an alert advising that ramps from U.S. 95 to I-15 northbound and southbound are closed, as well as the MLK on onramp to I-15 southbound.
Note: This post may be updated as further traffic advisories are received; refresh for updates.
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
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