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Jed Boal reportingTraffic troubles can try the patience of drivers all along the Wasatch Front. Some slow-downs are temporary, caused by construction. Others are fueled by too much growth. One problem area is in the southwest part of the Salt Lake Valley.
As the morning commute picks up on 9000 South west of I-15, cars will back up, and motorists will sit. UDOT says that area is a priority within the next five years.
Many motorists who travel 9000 South have a beef with traffic east and west of the interstate. The road on the east side is under construction. Traffic there should ease in July.
But people in West Jordan and South Jordan headed for I-15 northbound will have to be patient.
Motorist Michael Moulton said, "I've spent 20 minutes trying to get through this area." To go less than a mile, we're told it takes 15 minutes some mornings.
A store manager said the intersection at 500 West regularly grinds to a halt. Motorist Anthony Lemmons said, "Trying to get into a turn lane, I can't even turn, don't even get to turn for five, 10 minutes. It's bad."
Traffic flow is pretty good sometimes, but during the peak hour between 7:15 and 8:15 a.m., UDOT says 1,200 cars will pass through on the way to the interstate. Many drivers take 10600 South or 7200 South.
What causes the delays? Michael Moulton said, "I really don't know why. I don't know if it's light timing or what." Others blame the I-15 ramp meters.
UDOT admits the delays are severe. Signal Systems Engineer Mark Taylor said, "We are over-saturated out there. We have more vehicles than that roadway is able to handle."
Too much growth, too fast: that's the challenge up and down the Wasatch Front. Within the next five years, UDOT will spend more than $500,000 to add a lane and widen the I-15 ramp. A few lane modifications this summer might help. "We are doing everything we can to improve the traffic flow, and to basically balance out all of the misery that the drivers experience," Taylor said.
For now, UDOT encourages motorists to avoid the area if possible.
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
