Bangerter Highway could become more like a freeway, lose stoplights

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – Wish the Bangerter Highway had fewer traffic lights? You’re not alone.

The Utah Department of Transportation begins its final push to make Bangerter look more like a freeway, with seven environmental studies currently underway.

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Studies will take place at these locations along the Bangerter for the next two years:

1. 13400 south at Riverton
2. 9800 South in southern Jordan
3. 4700 South in Taylorsville / West Valley City
4. 4100 South in West Valley City
5. 3500 South to SR 201 in West Valley City / Salt Lake City
6. California Avenue in Salt Lake City
7. 2700 West in Bluffdale / Riverton

According to UDOT, these studies will assess the environmental impacts associated with the potential improvements, such as: B. new junctions or front roads. Ultimately, the studies will identify a preferred design at each location that will minimize impact while meeting the transportation needs of the region and local communities.

“Our priority is to improve safety and mobility along this critical corridor,” says UDOT project manager Brian Allen. “When the junctions are ready and the traffic can flow unhindered without traffic lights, we expect a significant reduction in accidents and driving times both on the Bangerter Highway and at the intersections in the east and west.”

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Once the interchanges in Bangerter are ready, the drive from I-15 in Draper to Salt Lake City International Airport will be shortened by up to 20 minutes, according to UDOT.

UDOT says construction is scheduled to begin in 13400 South, 4700 South and 9800 South in 2023. Work on 4100 South, California Avenue and between 3500 South and SR 201 is scheduled to begin in 2028.

Recently, state lawmakers approved $ 805 million in funding for these exchanges. Construction financing for 2700 West has not yet been granted.

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The crews are already working on three new intersections at 6200 South, 10400 South and 12600 South.

UDOT has these open days scheduled for the 13400 South, 4700 South and 9800 South trials starting next week:

• 13400 South Study: Tuesday, July 13, 6 p.m. (virtual); Wednesday July 14th at 6pm at South Hills Middle School in Riverton
• 4700 South Study: Tuesday, July 20, at 6 p.m. (virtual); Wednesday July 21 at 6 p.m. at John F. Kennedy Junior High School in West Valley City
• 9800 South Study: Wednesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. (virtual); Thursday July 29th at 6pm at Elk Ridge Middle School in South Jordan

According to UDOT, if you are unable to conduct these open house days, you have other options to get in touch with the study team and provide feedback on the proposals before final decisions are made and the projects continue with design and construction.

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In addition to these first open house days, members of the public will have several opportunities to connect with the study team and provide feedback on proposed solutions before final decisions are made and the design and construction projects move forward.

For more information about these events, as well as the ability to sign up for email updates, please visit udot.utah.gov/bangerter.