As the Independence Day holiday weekend nears, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding motorists traveling on Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge corridor in Arizona, that construction on a series of bridge projects is underway.

Drivers with travel plans between Mesquite, Nevada and St. George, Utah are urged to plan ahead for likely delays in both directions through the work zones due to heavier traffic volume through the holiday weekend.

Considerable progress has been made to date on ADOT’s multiple bridge projects along Arizona’s I-15 corridor. The $2.8 million improvement project to upgrade the surfaces of Bridge No. 3 and No. 7 (mileposts 13 and 22) is nearly complete. One traffic restriction remains on the northbound side of Bridge No. 3, which is narrowed to one lane through the work zone.

The $27 million rehabilitation of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 (milepost 16), which is about 21 miles south of St. George, is expected to be complete in 2016. This significant construction project includes the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the gorge.

The busiest travel times through the Gorge are Friday through Sundays. With limited alternate routes due to the remote location of the I-15 Virgin River Gorge corridor. ADOT urges drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down and drive carefully through the work zone. Please stay alert for construction equipment and personnel at all times.

To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 511; outside of Arizona dial 1.888.411.ROAD (7623).