Utah faces higher than average gas prices and significant traffic delays as the Labor Day holiday approaches, according to a September 4 report. While traveler movement began on Thursday, September 3, officials have warned of various delays throughout the holiday period.
Gasoline prices in Utah averaged $4.42 per gallon, exceeding the national average of $4.15. This is notably higher than this time last year, when the state's average was $1.10 lower. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), fuel costs vary by region. The Wasatch Front, Weber County, and northern Utah saw averages of $4.34 per gallon. Cache, Tooele, Salt Lake, and Utah counties averaged $4.38 per gallon, while Piute and Rich counties recorded higher averages of $4.80 per gallon.
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) anticipated significant delays due to traveler movement. While UDOT suspended construction projects and aimed to keep as many lanes open as possible, delays were expected on major routes. On Friday, September 4, delays of up to one hour were projected for I-15, with a 30-minute delay expected on I-15 southbound from Spanish Fork to Nephi between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., peaking at 3 p.m. Additionally, US 6 eastbound from Spanish Fork to Soldier Summit was expected to see delays of at least 10 minutes between noon and 7 p.m.
Travelers returning home on Monday, September 7, were expected to face delays of 60 minutes on I-15 northbound from Spanish Fork to Nephi between noon and 7 p.m., with peak congestion at 6 p.m. US 6 eastbound from Spanish Fork to Soldier Summit was expected to see delays of at least 40 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., peaking at 2 p.m. UDOT noted construction zones in the Spanish Fork and Provo canyons and a construction project near Thistle Junction.
For those staying in Utah, popular destinations for the holiday include Zion and Arches National Parks, the Grand Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains.
