SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 2, 2020 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Department of Transportation is recommending drivers plan ahead for increased traffic along the Wasatch Front this Friday and Monday for the Labor Day weekend.
In addition, drivers should be aware of several areas where construction restrictions remain in place on highways throughout the state, said a news release from UDOT.
“Due to COVID-19, Utah traffic volumes are still slightly below average,” the news release. “Traffic engineers have reviewed recent and historical data, and advise drivers to avoid the following times when holiday traffic is expected to be heaviest.”
Those times are:
- Interstate 15 in Salt Lake County, northbound: Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
- I-15 in Salt Lake County, southbound: Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- I-15 in Davis County, northbound: Thursday from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
- Interstate 80 in Summit/Salt Lake counties, westbound: Monday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Most UDOT projects statewide suspend construction and open all lanes to traffic to help reduce delays during the Labor Day weekend, the news release said. However, existing lane restrictions or traffic shifts will remain in place where needed to protect the work zone and ensure safety for drivers. Some areas where restrictions will remain in place include:
I-15 in Box Elder County: I-15 is reduced to one lane in each direction near Tremonton, with all traffic shifted to the northbound lanes. Plan for heavier traffic and delays from Honeyville to Tremonton this weekend and use caution when driving through the work zone. Crews are replacing the driving surface on several bridges along I-15 and Interstate 84.
I-15 Express Lanes: Lanes are split in both directions on I-15 between Clearfield and Roy, with the far left lane shifted onto the opposite side of the freeway. Drivers should merge into the right lanes earlier than usual if exiting the freeway in Clearfield, Sunset, or Roy. Work continues to extend the I-15 Express Lanes from Layton to Riverdale.
I-80 near Saltair/Lakepoint: Lanes are shifted and narrowed on I-80 between the State Route 202 interchange and the State Route 36 interchange, and the speed limit is reduced to 65 miles per hour. Workers are adding a new exit-only lane between the State Route 1 interchange and the SR- 36 interchange and replacing the I-80 bridges over the Union Pacific railroad tracks.
I-15 Technology Corridor: In Lehi, the speed limit on I-15 is reduced to 60 miles per hour from Main Street to State Route 92. Drivers should be alert when traveling through the work zone and anticipate shifting lanes and other temporary conditions. Crews are reconstructing the freeway, widening it to six lanes in both directions and replacing the old asphalt with new concrete pavement.
U.S. Highway 89 in Davis County: Lanes are shifted and narrowed on U.S. Highway 89 from Cherry Lane in Layton to 200 North/400 North in Kaysville and Fruit Heights. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced to 55 miles per hour. Drivers should stay alert in the work zone and be aware of new temporary intersections at Oak Hills Drive and 200 North/400 North. Crews are widening and reconstructing nine miles of U.S. 89 in Davis County, building four new interchanges and two new underpasses, and adding a new frontage road system to improve access for local neighborhoods.
UDOT reminds travelers to “Drive Better” this last holiday weekend of summer by being courteous, following posted speed limits, not driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, using seat belts, putting away distractions, and taking breaks to avoid drowsy driving.
Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. For the latest information on traffic restrictions during construction, visit the UDOT Traffic website or download the UDOT Traffic app for iPhone or Android.
