Heavy traffic expected in central and southern Utah this weekend
October 10, 2023
Solar eclipse and fall break travel will bring increased traffic to Utah’s roads
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) expects an influx of vehicle traffic on central and southern Utah’s highways for the Oct. 14 solar eclipse.
Richfield is one of the few cities nationwide in the direct path of the eclipse, and at least 300,000 visitors are expected to flock to central Utah to watch when it reaches maximum obscurity at 10:28 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The heaviest traffic is expected in the Richfield and Mexican Hat areas. Drivers should expect delays on several central Utah routes, including I-15, I-70, US-89 and SR-191. Heavy traffic delays are expected from Friday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 15.
Two universities (University of Utah and Southern Utah University) and 23 school districts across the state will also be on fall break, and increased traffic is expected.
UDOT encourages eclipse watchers to stay an extra day if possible to avoid what traffic engineers expect to be several hours of delays directly after the eclipse.
To keep everyone safe, UDOT strongly urges drivers not to park on the shoulder or in the road to watch the eclipse. Drivers should also pay attention and watch for pedestrians who will be out viewing the eclipse. In addition, they should plan ahead and make sure to have enough food, water and fuel.