Utah conducting environmental studies on highway

© City of South Jordan

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) currently is conducting seven environmental studies as part of the Bangerter Highway project.

The studies will evaluate environmental impacts associated with potential improvements and are expected to be completed over the next two years.

The project will eliminate stoplights on the highway, transforming it into a freeway. Once completed, it will reduce the drive from I-15 in Draper to the Salt Lake International Airport by up to 20 minutes, according to traffic projections.

“Our priority is to improve safety and mobility along this critical corridor,” Brian Allen, UDOT project manager, said. “When the interchanges are complete and traffic can flow freely without stoplights, we expect to see a significant reduction in crashes and in drive times, both on Bangerter Highway and east and west on cross-streets.”

Construction is scheduled to begin at three locations in 2023 and three locations in 2028. A total of $805 million has been allocated for these interchanges. Funding for the seventh interchange has not yet been allocated.

UDOT will hold three virtual open houses this month. Additionally, in-person open houses will be held this month in Riverton, West Valley City, and South Jordan. The meetings are open to the public.