The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has warned drivers in the Virgin River Gorge area to expect delays on Interstate 15 (I-15) next week while crews conduct bridge work.
The speed limit within the construction zone will be decreased to 25 mph. Traffic traveling in both directions will need to drive on the nearby northbound bridge, which also has a reduced speed limit so that there will be minimal vibration as the crews pour the concrete.
This reconstruction project, worth $27 million, began in 2014. The entire project includes widening the roadway throughout the Virgin River Gorge and replacing the superstructures of the bridge, such as the deck, girders and railings.
The delays should last for up to an hour Tuesday through Thursday next week. The traffic must be delayed so crews can pour concrete for a bridge deck in the state’s far northwest corner at Virgin River Bridge No. 6.
Speed-limit reductions will begin Tuesday at 6 a.m. During this time, commercial truck traffic also will be limited to loads that weigh no more than 40 tons. This is a significant decline, as commercial trucks traveling on I-15 typically can weigh up to 64.5 tons.
