The ongoing transformation of Bangerter Highway, one of the Salt Lake Valley’s most vital transportation corridors, reached a significant milestone as the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) officially reopened 4700 South to east-west travel on July 11, 2025. This major achievement is part of a comprehensive strategy to convert key intersections along the route into more efficient, safer freeway-style interchanges—an initiative set to streamline travel for over 60,000 motorists daily.

The Bangerter Highway corridor has long been a backbone of mobility for western Salt Lake County, supporting rapid population growth, bustling business districts, and expanding residential areas. With west-side communities like Taylorsville, West Valley City, South Jordan, Riverton, and Bluffdale experiencing steady expansion, the need for improved infrastructure has become increasingly urgent.

Project Overview: From Stoplights to Freeway-Style Interchanges

For more than a decade, UDOT has methodically advanced its vision of eliminating stoplights along Bangerter Highway, transforming the corridor into a continuous, free-flowing route. The current phase—focusing on 4700 South, 9800 South, 13400 South, and 2700 West—represents the final major upgrades planned for completion by late 2025. UDOT’s end goal is to extend improvements northward all the way to California Avenue, ultimately converting Bangerter into a near-expressway standard.

According to UDOT project officials, each new interchange is engineered to improve safety by removing at-grade crossings, reducing rear-end and side-impact collisions that commonly occur at traditional signalized intersections. Early data from previous interchange conversions along the corridor show significant reductions in both traffic delays and crashes—a boon for both public safety and economic productivity.

Recent Milestones and Upcoming Construction Activities

The reopening of 4700 South marks the seasonal highlight of a busy summer construction schedule. UDOT crews have worked intensively to realign lanes, install new signals and signage, and complete critical bridge work. Beginning July 15 and continuing on July 22, crews will pour concrete for the new bridge deck at 13400 South, allowing traffic to begin using the underpass by the end of July. Meanwhile, the Bangerter Highway traffic is scheduled to move under the new 9800 South bridge and on top of the 2700 West bridge by the end of August.

In addition to minimizing disruption for local businesses and neighborhoods, UDOT has coordinated with municipal governments, law enforcement, and local transit agencies to ensure smooth transitions during each phase. Real-time updates, traffic advisories, and detour maps have been made available on UDOT’s website and through social media channels, keeping the public informed throughout construction.

Investment, Economic Impact, and Future Growth

UDOT has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the Bangerter Highway interchange program, drawing on state, local, and federal funding sources. This investment supports not just traffic improvements but broader economic development goals, including access to new industrial parks, retail centers, and residential communities on the Salt Lake Valley’s expanding west side. According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the region is among the fastest-growing in the United States, with Utah itself recently ranked as America’s fastest-growing state by percentage according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The enhanced connectivity and reduced travel times are expected to bolster both property values and job growth. Businesses benefit from more reliable supply chains, and residents gain easier commutes and improved air quality due to less idling and stop-and-go traffic. UDOT estimates that, upon project completion, drivers will save substantial minutes on their daily commutes, contributing to nearly $50 million in annual productivity gains along the corridor.

Community and Environmental Considerations

Throughout construction, UDOT has engaged with community stakeholders to address concerns about noise, dust, and temporary traffic impacts. Innovative solutions such as accelerated bridge construction (ABC) techniques and staged work zones have shortened construction timelines and minimized disruptions. Environmental reviews ensured the protection of nearby wetlands and wildlife corridors, while landscaping and sound walls are being installed to buffer nearby neighborhoods from highway noise.

Public transit integration remains a priority. UDOT continues to collaborate with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) to facilitate future bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes and improve infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, helping create a more inclusive mobility network for all residents.

What’s Next for Bangerter Highway?

With the major interchanges at 4700 South, 9800 South, 13400 South, and 2700 West on track to be completed by fall 2025, Bangerter Highway will soon offer a seamless north-south alternative to I-15 and other main arteries—crucial for keeping pace with Utah’s swelling population and business activity. The next phase will focus on extending these improvements north to California Avenue and eventually connecting with future regional transportation plans.

“Opening 4700 South to east-west traffic is a big milestone that will make a real difference for everyone moving through this area,” said Robert Stewart, UDOT Region Two Director. “We’re keeping the momentum going on this project, and getting closer and closer to the finish line every day.”

As construction barrels toward completion, travelers and residents alike can look forward to safer, faster commutes and a lasting foundation for the Salt Lake Valley’s growth well into the future.

For current updates, maps, and a detailed project timeline, visit the UDOT project website.