Draper residents heading south on Interstate 15 for Labor Day weekend could face up to 30 minutes of extra travel time Friday, Sept. 4, and the return trip Monday, Sept. 7, could add a full hour.

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) issued a travel advisory Thursday, Sept. 3, warning drivers to expect significant delays on I-15 and U.S. Route 6 through the holiday weekend. I-15 runs directly through Draper, making it the primary route for residents traveling south toward Utah County and destinations beyond.

Friday: heading out

Southbound I-15 from Spanish Fork to Nephi could see up to 30 minutes of additional delay between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, with the worst congestion expected around 3 p.m.

Eastbound US-6 from Spanish Fork to Soldier Summit faces lighter delays of up to 10 minutes between noon and 10 p.m., peaking at 7 p.m.

Drivers heading to Midway Swiss Days should also expect congestion and longer left-turn queues at the US-189 and SR-114 intersection in Provo Canyon on Friday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 5.

Monday: coming home

The return trip looks worse. Northbound I-15 from Nephi to Spanish Fork could see up to 60 minutes of additional delay between noon and 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, with peak congestion at 5 p.m.

Westbound US-6 from Soldier Summit to Spanish Fork faces up to 40 minutes of additional delay between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., peaking at 2 p.m.

Construction and work zones

A construction project near Thistle Junction, where US-6 meets US-89, will have lane closures on both Friday and Monday. Work zones in Spanish Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon will also remain in place through the weekend to protect work zones.

Most other UDOT construction projects across the state will suspend work and open all lanes to help reduce congestion.

Record gas prices add to the cost

Filling up will cost more than usual. Utah's average gas price hit $4.42 per gallon as of Thursday, 28 cents above the national average of $4.14, according to AAA.

"After a record-setting August, this Labor Day weekend is on track to also set a record at the pump," AAA Mountain West spokesperson Aldo Vazquez told KSL. He attributed the high prices to crude oil volatility at the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed prices into the $90-per-barrel range.

Despite the cost, AAA estimates Utah's Arches and Zion national parks will be among the top destinations this weekend.

UDOT recommends leaving early in the morning to miss peak congestion. Drivers can check real-time conditions at UDOT's traffic website or through major smartphone navigation apps.