Backup of 20 miles into Primm; NHP suggests different route to California

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — 5:00 P.M. UPDATE| The backup is about 15 miles on the I-15 southbound at Primm. Speeds are roughly 16 mph.

3:15 P.M. UPDATE | The backup stretches at least 18 miles from Primm to the southern edge of Las Vegas. Speeds are about 25-30 mph. There are slow travel areas in California as well with maximum speeds in the 40 mph range.

2 P.M. UPDATE | The slog to Primm has intensified. Dozens of motorists are using the right shoulder illegally to pass traffic.

SUNDAY NOON UPDATE | The Nevada State Patrol is urging motorists to take a different route to Southern California.

"Take SR 160 northbound , to SR 372. In California take SR 127 southbound and it will bring you into Baker. It’s out of the way but you won’t be in bumper to bumper traffic," says the NHP.

9:25 A.M. SUNDAY UPDATE | Traffic is backed up for 18 miles from Primm to almost Las Vegas. At several points, vehicles are moving at less than 20 mph.

ORIGINAL | Motorists headed to Southern California can expect delays of an hour or more Sunday as the Thanksgiving holiday period ends.

Traffic headed on the three lanes of Interstate 15 from Las Vegas to Primm and beyond was backed up for about 11 miles as of 8 a.m. Sunday, according to an alert by the Regional Transportation Commission.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, three travel lanes in Nevada get squeezed into two lanes in California, a funnel affect that causes the backup.

The RTC said the prime driving hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Overhead messages boards have been advising motorists to check fuel, water and tires all through the holiday weekend.

Heavy air travel at McCarran International Airport is also expected.