Starting this weekend, residents and commuters in Riverton will need to brace for a major traffic reroute as the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) embarks on the construction of a new freeway-style interchange at 13400 South and Bangerter Highway. As reported by ABC4, the intersection will close to east and westbound traffic starting Friday, Oct. 11, with the undertaking expected to span until fall 2025.
UDOT advocates for drivers to divert onto Old Liberty Way and 3600 West toward 12600 South. They have indicated that these routes will serve as the main arteries for eastbound traffic taking a left onto Old Liberty Way and westbound traffic turning right onto 3600 West, according to the same ABC4 announcement. Additionally, the Mountain View Corridor between 12600 South and 13400 South will be utilized as a staging area for the construction effort, housing materials, recycled concrete, machinery, and serving other construction needs as they crop up.
According to KSL, noting the permanent closure of the southbound continuous flow intersection turn lane for eastbound traffic at Bangerter Highway. While maintaining access for the northbound turn lane at Bangerter, all other lights will be removed to smooth the progression of the project. Detour routes have been marked, guiding commuters via 12600 South, Old Liberty Way, and 3600 West to maneuver around the construction zone.
In alignment with UDOT's objective to convert Bangerter Highway into a freeway-like corridor replete with interchanges bereft of red lights for streamlined traffic flow, John Gleason, a spokesperson for the department, has reassured the public about Bangerter's accessibility. "You're still going to be able to use Bangerter to get through of course," Gleason said, as per KSLTV. "But just if you're heading straight through on 13400 you may have to make some detour plans." These efforts are all in service of enhancing safety and improving commute times for Utah's rapidly growing population.
