Heavy traffic expected on Interstate 15 due to NASCAR event this week

With a NASCAR racing event (March 6-8) expected to draw more than 250,000 fans this week at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Arizona Department of Transportation is urging motorists traveling on Interstate 15 in the far northwestern corner of Arizona to allow extra travel time as the anticipated increase in traffic moves through an existing work zone in the Virgin River Gorge, nearly 100 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

ADOT is currently working on a major reconstruction project on Virgin River Bridge No. 6 (milepost 16), located midway between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah.

While no active construction will be taking place this weekend, the highway is currently narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone until the project is completed in 2016.

This $27 million 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.

ADOT is anticipating heavy traffic on southbound I-15 Friday afternoon, March 6, and on northbound I-15 all day onSunday, March 8.

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, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center ataz511.gov or call 511; outside of Arizona dial 1.888.411.ROAD (7623).

For more information about the I-15 Virgin River Bridge projects, please visit azdot.gov/I15virginriver.