As thousands scramble north to view Monday’s cosmic event, travelers on major Utah highways are predicted to face heavy traffic.

John Gleason with the Utah Department of Transportation says UDOT expects major delays throughout the weekend.

“This is a really difficult event to predict because they’re not really selling tickets for the eclipse,” Gleason says. “We’re estimating that we could see an additional 50,000 over the next few days here. So, that’s a major increase.”

The increase will most likely be the greatest on Monday as returning viewers join the evening rush along I-15.

In preparation for the traffic influx, UDOT is halting several construction projects throughout the state.

Drivers are advised to keep a full tank of gas, bring water and snacks, and, most of all, to not stop on the road to watch the eclipse.