This environmental study is being conducted between 4100 South and California Avenue – the final section of Bangerter Highway to be converted into a freeway to reduce congestion and improve safety.

The study evaluated environmental impacts associated with potential freeway-style improvements like new interchanges or frontage roads and is now identifying a preferred design that minimizes impacts while still meeting the mobility needs of Bangerter Highway and the local cross-streets.

An SES is a document initiated by UDOT for state-funded projects. An SES includes an environmental review and documentation of public involvement activities. The environmental review process for state projects provides decision-makers with the necessary information to make the best project decisions while considering the anticipated benefits and impacts.

Bangerter Highway currently operates using a series of traffic signals at many of its intersections, causing significant congestion in recent years. This congestion also exists for cross traffic moving east-west. Freeway-like improvements along Bangerter Highway allow traffic to move more freely and at speeds that are more consistent in all directions.

In addition, eliminating traffic signals on Bangerter Highway and having fewer traffic signal movements on cross streets improves safety.

During the environmental study, the team is planning ahead for future growth and congestion, in addition to what the current conditions are. This means the proposed roadway design will accommodate traffic in 2050.

A grade-separated interchange is when a local road crosses over or under a high-speed roadway, such as a highway or freeway, at different heights or grades. Ramps are used to enter or exit the high-speed roadway from the local roads.

The grade separation allows traffic on the high-speed roadway to pass through the junction without directly crossing any other traffic stream.

Frontage roads are typically lower speed roads that run parallel to a high-speed highway or freeway. They are usually used to provide access to the highway or freeway from local roads or properties.

Planning for the highway began in the 1960s and at the time, the road was designed as a 30-year solution. Construction began in 1988 and was completed in 1998. With growth in the area higher than expected, Bangerter Highway has exceeded operational expectations.

In 2011, funding wasn’t identified for all the intersections to be upgraded to interchanges. The CFIs were a lower cost, interim solution to relieve congestion before adequate funding for the freeway conversion became available.

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