UDOT reminds drivers to expect delays, plan ahead for Thanksgiving holiday travel

Photo: Gephardt Daily

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 22, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Department of Transportation is recommending drivers plan ahead for delays along the Wasatch Front this Wednesday and Sunday due to heavy traffic for the Thanksgiving holiday.

A news release said traffic engineers expect delays on I-15 in the following locations:

  • Northbound I-15, Davis County: up to 10-minute delays on Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 3-7 p.m.
  • Southbound I-15, Salt Lake County: up to 15-minute delays on Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 2-7 p.m.
  • Southbound I-15, Nephi area: up to 10-minute delays on Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 5-8 p.m.
  • Northbound I-15, Cedar City: up to 20-minute delays on Sunday, Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Across the state, most UDOT projects will suspend construction and open all lanes to traffic to help reduce delays during the weekend. 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 from Riverdale to Layton — Three lanes are open on I-15 in each direction between Layton and Riverdale, but 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-9 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 and consider alternate routes if planning travel to Pineview Reservoir, Huntsville, Eden or other Ogden Valley destinations. Crews are rebuilding the mid-canyon bridge, and work on this project is expected to be complete in early 2022.
  • I-80 in Salt Lake City and I-215 in eastern Salt Lake County — Lanes are shifted and narrowed on I-80 in Salt Lake City between 1300 East and 2300 East and on the I-215 east belt between as part of a project to reconstruct these two sections of these freeways. In addition, a new lane split will be installed on southbound I-215 from 3800 South to 4500 South beginning as early as Tuesday night, Nov. 23. Drivers will need to stay in the right two lanes to access the 3900 South and 4500 South exits. This configuration will remain in place through early 2022, and the project is scheduled for completion in late 2022.
  • U.S. Highway 189 in Provo Canyon — U.S. Highway 189 is reduced to one lane in each direction 24 hours a day between Bridal Veil Falls and Vivian Park. New concrete median barriers are being installed in the canyon, and lane closures will remain in place through mid-December until crews can get the parts needed to complete the work.
    Utah’s national and state parks and outdoor recreation areas experience heavier-than-normal visitation on holiday weekends. 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 said.

For the latest on Utah road and traffic conditions visit the UDOT Traffic website or download the UDOT Traffic app.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here