Air, ground traffic expected ahead of Memorial Day weekend
May 21, 2026, 11:54 AM | Updated: May 22, 2026, 8:44 am
A screenshot of the KSL TV newsroom traffic map showing areas where traffic may occur on Memorial Day weekend. (KSL TV newsroom traffic)
(KSL TV newsroom traffic)
SALT LAKE CITY — Air and ground travelers heading out for some Memorial Day weekend fun may run into some traffic jams and airport crowds throughout Utah.
Planning to head south for Memorial Day weekend? Count on some delays on southbound Interstate 15 on Friday, from Spanish Fork to Nephi. Especially if you’re heading out during peak travel time.
Utah Department of Transportation is reporting up to 30 minutes of added travel time between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
On Monday, UDOT expects traffic jams to continue on northbound I-15 from Nephi to Spanish Fork. Delays could last for up to 40 minutes between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., with peak delays expected around 3 p.m.
Friday traffic includes eastbound Highway 6 from Spanish Fork to Soldier Summit. Travelers can expect up to 90 minutes of delay between 10:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., and peak delays will likely happen around 7 p.m.
In the opposite direction, on Monday UDOT expects drivers to hit traffic on westbound US 6 from Soldier Summit to Spanish Fork. Those delays could last 90 minutes between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with peak delays around 3 p.m.
Continuing on Friday, northbound Highway 89 from Logan to Bear Lake could see up to 30 minutes of delays between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Peak delays may occur around 7 p.m.
Monday, drivers may hit traffic on southbound US-89 from Bear Lake to Logan. Travelers should expect up to 30 minutes of additional delay between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Peak delays could happen between noon and 3 p.m.
Don’t forget eastbound Highway 40 from Heber to Duchesne. On Friday, Travelers in that area could see up to 15 minutes of delays between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Drivers may see the highest amount of delay between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
On Monday, that area can expect traffic on westbound US-40 from Duchesne to Heber. Drivers can expect up to 15 minutes of delay between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., and peak delays could continue between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Lastly, drivers traveling Friday on southbound US 6 and Highway 191 from Spanish Fork to Moab could see up to 90 minutes of delays between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. Drivers may experience peak delays around 5 p.m.
That area is also expected to have traffic Monday on northbound US-191 and US-6 from Moab to Spanish Fork. Travelers can expect a delay of around 90 minutes between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Peak delays could hit around 5 p.m.
However, UDOT also said it will press pause on many construction projects around the state for the busy weekend.
Airport congestion
Salt Lake City International Airport said that a majority of its travelers will depart on Thursday and Friday. At least 28,700 passengers are expected to leave the airport on Thursday, and about 28,500 will take off on Friday.
The airport said to expect the same number of people to arrive in Salt Lake City on both days.
“These numbers are slightly higher when compared to Memorial Day numbers from 2025,” the airport said. “Tuesday, May 26 will be another busy day as passengers return home.”
The airport added that crowded travel times are expected to take place at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
As a reminder, the airport said to pack smart, reserve parking if needed, follow rules related to traveling with liquids, check your airline app or website for updates and make sure you know your way around the airport for quick travel.
“For drivers picking up passengers, SLC recommends checking incoming flight status before heading to the airport,” the airport said. “Drivers should remain in the airport’s Park and Wait lot until passengers are curbside and ready to be picked up.”
Related: It’s time to think about fire danger now, Cox says ahead of Memorial Day weekend
