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UDOT reminds holiday drivers to be alert and prepare for delays in some areas

By Genelle Pugmire - | Nov 22, 2021

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

Traffic flows along Interstate-15 as seen from a bridge along 1600 South in Springville on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

While many families are taking to the roads this Thanksgiving, the Utah Department of Transportation in not only warning drivers to be safe, but to remember ongoing construction projects.

Drivers should plan ahead for 15-minute delays in Salt Lake County and 10-minute delays for Davis County and the Nephi area.

Most of the delays will be along the Wasatch Front this Wednesday and Sunday, due to heavy traffic for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to UDOT spokesperson John Gleason.

Traffic engineers expect delays on I-15 in the following locations:

  • Northbound I-15, Davis County: up to 10-minute delays on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m.
  • Southbound I-15, Salt Lake County: up to 15-minute delays on Wednesday from 2-7 p.m.
  • Southbound I-15, Nephi area: up to 10-minute delays on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.

“Across the state, most UDOT projects will suspend construction and open all lanes to traffic to help reduce delays during the Thanksgiving holiday (Wednesday through Monday). However, in some work zones, these restrictions will continue where needed to ensure safety or accommodate ongoing construction,” Gleason said.

Some areas where drivers should expect restrictions include:

  • U.S. 189 in Provo Canyon — U.S. 189 is reduced to one lane in each direction 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.
  • 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 as part of a project to reconstruct the two sections of the 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. 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.
  • 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 mph in the work zone. Crews are widening I-15 to extend the Express Lanes in both directions between Layton and Riverdale. This project is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
  • S.R. 39 in Ogden Canyon — S.R. 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 and consider alternate routes if they are 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 completed in early 2022.

Utah’s national and state parks and outdoor recreation areas experience heavier-than-normal visitation on holidays. 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.

Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. 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.

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