UDOT

UDOT warns drivers to expect delays as crews work to complete safety improvements before winter 

SALT LAKE CITY (May 6, 2026) —  The Utah Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for moderate delays on U.S. Route 6 this summer and fall as crews begin construction on a safety project. 

Beginning on Friday, May 8, at 7 a.m., two miles of US-6 near Thistle Junction (the US-6 and US-89 intersection) will be reduced to one lane in each direction. These lane closures will remain in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. 

The project is designed to reduce the risk of serious crashes at one of the state’s busiest highway junctions.

Lane closures are scheduled to end on November 15, when the new interchange is expected to open. The new grade-separated interchange will separate turning traffic from the high speeds of US-6, reducing the risk of serious crashes at this junction. Completing the work before winter will also help restore full traffic flow before snow and canyon driving conditions create additional challenges. 

Due to ongoing lane closures, UDOT traffic engineers anticipate increased delays during major travel periods, including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Pioneer Day, Labor Day and key dates within the hunting season. 

“This will slow things down, especially on holiday weekends, and we know that’s frustrating,” UDOT Project Manager Eric Rasband said. “But getting this project done will save lives. This interchange is built to reduce serious crashes on US-6, and getting it done before winter is critical.

On typical weekends, eastbound drivers should expect moderate delays on Friday afternoons and evenings, and similar delays on westbound US-6 on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Higher delays are expected on Memorial Day weekend, including:

• Eastbound US-6: Expect up to 1.5 hours of additional delay on Friday, May 22, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., with peak delays occurring between 2 and 7 p.m.
• Eastbound US-6: Expect up to 30 minutes of additional delay on Saturday, May 23, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 
• Westbound US-6: Expect up to 1.5 hours of additional delay on Monday, May 25, between 10:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., with peak delays occurring between 2 and 10 p.m. 

UDOT will provide updated travel forecasts ahead of major holidays and is expecting to see delays similar to Memorial Day weekend during other holidays. Drivers are encouraged to travel during off-peak hours, plan trips carefully and consider using alternate routes, such as I-70 and I-15, during holiday weekends. 

Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather, equipment availability and other factors. For the latest updates, download the UDOT Traffic app or visit udottraffic.utah.gov.