The Bangerter Highway is undergoing significant changes as Utah's Department of Transportation (UDOT) pushes to improve traffic flow and enhance driver safety. Tomorrow, motorists will be introduced to the newly paved stretch of road beneath the 13400 South interchange, signaling a forward move in UDOT's project to convert the busy arterial into a freeway-like thoroughfare. UDOT News reports that this development is part of a larger initiative targeting the removal of stoplights along the highway.
Starting tomorrow, drivers should prepare to slowly adjust to the new traffic pattern as lanes gradually shift beneath the interchange bridge at 13400 South, with all lanes expected to be realigned by the following Monday, August 4. Unfortunately, left turns at 13400 South from Bangerter Highway will need to temporarily be restricted over the weekend to safely facilitate this changeover. Motorists are advised by UDOT to adhere to the posted signs and to possibly allow for some extra travel time during this transition period.
UDOT Region 2 Director Robert Stewart conveyed excitement about the project's progression, stating, "Driving under the bridge is a big sign that this project is moving forward. It’s always exciting when people can start using parts of the new infrastructure — it makes the progress feel real." Stewart told UDOT News. Meanwhile, a stoplight will remain at the left-turn lane from northbound Bangerter Highway to westbound 13400 South until east and westbound travel is resumed in October.
In addition to the opening at 13400 South, more strides are taken to improve the Bangerter Highway as crews poured the bridge deck at 2700 West in Bluffdale on July 31. This operation is a critical step for the new Bangerter interchange, part of the ongoing construction at four separate interchanges meant to enhance the highway experience for more than 60,000 vehicles daily. Once all the interchanges under construction are complete - at 4700 South, 9800 South, 13400 South, and 2700 West- the highway will boast an uninterrupted flow from I-15 to 4100 South, much to the relief of commuters across the Salt Lake Valley's west side.
