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Tonya Papanikolas Reporting Concert-goers who see their favorite bands and musicians at the USANA Amphitheater are getting tired of the heavy traffic driving into and out of the venue.
For one thing, the roads weren't built to handle all that traffic. The amphitheater was built right into a residential area, but West Valley City didn't widen any roads or build any new ones to access the venue. Now, every time there's a big concert, fans get frustrated.
The amphitheater holds 20-thousand people. The event staff told us that last night's Journey and Def Leopard concert was one of the fullest they've seen. But that also meant heavy traffic before and after the concert.
People said it took them up to two and a half hours to get there, and sometimes just as long to leave. Some try to take back roads to avoid the traffic jams, but that can also be confusing.
Tyson Eslington, Concert-Goer: "We had to go through this huge field and down this huge mountain to get to the concert, and we still missed half the act."
Lynisa Peck, Lives Near USANA Amphitheater: "I think most people take 56th west and then they get in a traffic jam. And a lot of it are probably frustrated residents that live in here that can't get to their houses."
Sgt. William Merritt, West Valley Police Department: "You get a couple accidents here and there. We had an accident, I believe, last night with the Def Leopard concert blocking some lanes."
West Valley police have officers directing traffic, but it doesn't really help the problem.
UDOT told us they do have plans to widen part of 5600 West starting next spring. In the meantime, those who know the area say it's a good idea to head further west than you need and then back-track. You'll save more time in the end.
