UDOT expecting traffic delays this Memorial Day weekend, plan your route
May 20, 2025, 3:00 PM
FILE: Southbound traffic is pictured on Memorial Day weekend on I-15 in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 24, 2024. Compared to Memorial Day, UDOT expects there will be far fewer delays for Independence Day this year. (Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)
(Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Memorial Day is just around the corner, and Utah’s Department of Transportation said people need to plan ahead for traffic delays.
UDOT Spokesperson John Gleason said the longest delays are expected on the way back into Utah Monday.
“Some of the worst delays we can see on the Monday coming back into the valley,” Gleason said. “U.S. 6, we’re anticipating almost an hour of delays at certain points, you know, throughout the day. And that could ruin a vacation for a lot of people.”
Gleason said that after talking with UDOT’s traffic engineers, it’s likely there will be heavy traffic throughout the state due to families traveling to places like St. George, Las Vegas, Bear Lake or beyond.
“And it makes sense, because this really is the unofficial kick-off of summer for a lot of families,” Gleason said.
Related: Despite economic concerns, Americans are set on getting away for Memorial Day weekend
Gleason’s advice for families traveling this weekend was to plan ahead for extra time on the road and consider returning from trips Tuesday if possible.
Gleason said the delays leaving town won’t be as bad.
On Friday, UDOT estimated traffic-trouble spots would appear along southbound lanes of Interstate 15.
“We’re going to see, as people are heading out of town, southbound I-15 in Salt Lake County,” Gleason said. “We could see anywhere from 30-minute delays to beyond if you get a crash or two mixed in there.”
Gleason said Friday’s traffic is expected between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., but noted the peak would likely be between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
A warning was also posed for those traveling southbound on I-15 near Nephi, a route commonly traveled by those heading to Southern Utah, Las Vegas or California.
“We could see up to 25 minute delays between noon and 8 p.m.,” Gleason said, citing lane reductions in the area that cause bottlenecked traffic.
Gleason said while it’s frustrating getting caught in traffic, be patient and do yourself and everyone else around you a favor by being a courteous driver.
