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Jed Boal Reporting Motorists who travel between Salt Lake and the west side of the valley can celebrate tonight. The Utah Department of Transportation wrapped up a major reconstruction project on the 21st South Freeway.
If you ever drive this road, you know how traffic has exploded in this area of the valley. SR 201 has been a bottleneck near I-15, bu, motorists should have smoother ride now. The 64-million dollar overhaul of SR 201 is complete.
If you've avoided the area, it's safe to return to SR 201 and the Redwood Road interchange. Increased capacity should cut down rush hour traffic jams. UDOT believes all of the upgrades should improve safety, help the entire system in the center of the valley work better, and improve quality of life for people who depend on the route.
John Njord, Executive Director of UDOT: "It helps us to connect with our families, it help us do the work we need to do and get us to the places we recreate in."
UDOT widened SR 201 from two to three lanes in both directions from the Jordan River out to Bangerter Highway. Crews also reconstructed the Redwood Road Interchange and Redwood Road itself from 2100 South to 2320 South.
This intersection is a major trucking hub and thoroughfare for the state. All of the commerce and other traffic long ago outgrew the 1960's era highway.
As always, when driving a new route, be alert for exits that may be aligned differently. The rush hour flow looks better today that in the past.