SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 20, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Transportation Commission has approved nearly $1.4 billion to build two new freeways and a freeway extension in northwest Utah County.
The funding is designed to address the growing transportation needs in Lehi, Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain. Utah County is projected to grow faster than Salt Lake, Davis and Weber counties combined by the year 2050, according to the Gardner Policy Institute.
In all, the state is investing $2.1 billion in transportation improvements in the area over the next six years, according to the Utah Department of Transportation.
“This significant investment represents our commitment to building a transportation system that meets the needs of all Utahns,” UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras said. “As we continue to grow as a state, we will work to find transportation solutions to help everyone get to where they want in the way they want.”
Funding for the new projects represents the state’s biggest transportation investment in Utah County since the I-15 CORE project was completed in 2012. That project reconstructed 24 miles of freeway from Lehi to Spanish Fork.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to improve travel through northwest Utah County,” UDOT Region Three Director Rob Clayton said. “These projects will greatly benefit both the residents and travelers in the region, ensuring better commutes and improved connectivity.”
Funding and projects approved include:
Conversion of 2100 North to a freeway in Lehi: $554 million ($275 in new funding)
This project will extend the freeway connection along 2100 North between Mountain View Corridor and Interstate 15 to improve east-west mobility between the two freeways in northwest Utah and Salt Lake counties.
It also will help disperse traffic more efficiently for drivers traveling to communities within the central Utah Valley area, according to UDOT. The project will connect existing and planned trails in the area to help people to get to their destinations and communities in the way they want.
Construction is expected to start in 2026.
Pioneer Crossing Flex Lanes: $77 million
This project will provide two additional travel lanes in the peak direction of travel depending on the time of day, much like 5400 South in Salt Lake County.
Pioneer Crossing also will be re-striped from Redwood Road to Mountain View Corridor to provide one additional travel lane in each direction throughout the day. Most work is expected to be completed within the existing state right of way, UDOT officials said.
Construction is expected to start in 2025 or 2026.
Extension of Mountain View Corridor to Cory Wride Highway: $553 million
This project will extend Mountain View Corridor to Cory Wride Highway (state Route 73) in Saratoga Springs. State transportation officials say it will help reduce congestion on Redwood Road and I-15 around the Point of the Mountain by providing an alternative freeway connection between northwest Utah County and Salt Lake County.
The project also will include trails and trail connections to provide Utahns more choices for travel. Construction is expected to start as early as 2027.
Cory Wride Freeway from Mountain View Corridor to Ranches Parkway: $459 million
This project will construct a new freeway with frontage roads from Mountain View Corridor to Ranches Parkway in Eagle Mountain.
UDOT officials say the project will ease congestion in the area, accommodate transit, bike lane and trail improvements, minimize impacts to existing properties and preserve access to existing developments. Construction is expected to start as early as 2027.
