UDOT forecasting short delays for July 4th drivers

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah transportation officials predict drivers could run into some delays on their way out of town for July 4 celebrations on Wednesday afternoon. But, delays aren’t expected to be as bad as other recent holiday rushes.

UDOT said drivers can expect delays of up to 10 minutes Wednesday afternoon on:

• northbound I-15 in Davis County,
• north and southbound I-15 in Salt Lake County, and
• southbound I-15 near Nephi in Juab County.

The good news is these delays aren’t as bad as those UDOT forecasted for Memorial Day weekend.

Times to expect road congestion

UDOT spokesperson Mitch Shaw told KSL NewsRadio they only expect congestion during the evening commute, starting around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

“The most likely time [for delays] is when you start the evening commute [and] mix commuter travel in with the people who might be … headed out of town,” Shaw said.

According to Shaw, the earlier you can leave, the better. If you travel outside of afternoon rush hours, there should be minimal to no delays.

Where Independence Day road congestion will be worst

Additionally, UDOT warns drivers to expect congestion near major attractions across the Beehive State, including:

• U.S. 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon,
• U.S. 191 near Moab, and
• S.R. 9 near Zion National Park.

UDOT will suspend all construction projects around the state over the holiday weekend, opening all lanes of travel. The only exception is for projects where normal travel lanes have been shifted. An example is  I-15 near 5600 South in Roy.

Shaw and other officials are calling on all drivers to do what it takes to be safe during holiday travels.

“Even if somebody cuts you off or does something really egregious, it’s not worth reacting to it — your life will go on,” Shaw said. “Be courteous out there and treat people on the road like you’d want to be treated.”

Suggested related reading: UDOT announces major construction projects for 2024

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