SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 1, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Department of Transportation is recommending drivers plan ahead for traffic delays along the Wasatch Front this Friday and Monday due to holiday traffic for the Labor Day weekend.
Traffic engineers expect delays on Friday of up to 20 minutes on northbound Interstate 15 through Davis County from 1-8 p.m., and up to 10 minutes on southbound I-15 through Salt Lake County from 2-8 p.m., said a news release from UDOT.
On Monday, delays for return trips could reach 10 minutes on southbound I-15 in Davis County from 3-7 p.m., northbound I-15 near Nephi from 3-7 p.m., westbound U.S. Highway 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon from 1-8 p.m., and westbound Interstate 80 from the U.S. Highway 40 junction to the mouth of Parleys Canyon from 1-8 p.m.
Across the state, most UDOT projects will suspend construction and open all lanes to traffic to help reduce delays during Labor Day weekend, Friday through Monday. In some work zones, these restrictions will continue through the weekend where needed to ensure safety or accommodate ongoing construction.
Some areas where drivers should expect restrictions include:
- I-15 near Clearfield — All lanes are open on I-15 near Clearfield, but lane splits are in place in both directions to allow crews to work in the median of the freeway. The speed limit has been reduced to 60 miles per hour in the work zone. Crews are widening I-15 to extend the Express Lanes in both directions between Layton and Riverdale. Work on this project is scheduled to be complete in 2022.
- SR-39 in Ogden Canyon — SR-39 is reduced to one lane, with alternating traffic controlled by a temporary signal, near the mid-canyon bridge between Ogden and Pineview Reservoir. Drivers should plan for delays of 15 minutes or more. Crews are rebuilding the mid-canyon bridge, and work on this project is expected to be complete later this fall.
- SR-95 Cottonwood Wash Bridge — The primary route to upper Lake Powell from eastern Utah will remain closed on SR-95 from the junction of U.S. Highway 191 to SR- 261. UDOT recommends I-70 to SR-24, through Hanksville, for paved access to upper Lake Powell and other outdoor recreational destinations west of Blanding. The bridge is expected to reopen in October.
Utah’s national and state parks and outdoor recreation areas experience heavier-than-normal visitation on holiday weekends, the news release said. Travelers should plan ahead for delays and heavy traffic on roads near these attractions.
“UDOT reminds drivers to be cautious behind the wheel and do their part in making travel safer for everybody by staying alert, using seat belts, putting away distractions, and taking breaks to avoid drowsy driving,” the news release added.
For the latest on Utah road and traffic conditions visit the UDOT Traffic website or download the UDOT Traffic app. Drivers can also follow UDOT on social media including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
