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SANDY — If you’re used to getting on northbound I-15 freeway at 9000 South in Sandy, you might want to reconsider this weekend.
The Utah Department of Transportation is scheduled to close 9000 South overnight beginning on Saturday at 6 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Sunday between I-15 and Monroe Street in Sandy. The closure will allow crews to pour concrete for a new bridge over 9000 South that is part of a new collector/distributor system that is designed to improve safety and reduce traffic delays.
“What we’re doing this weekend is pouring the deck of the ramp that goes over 90th South — the beginning area of the collector/distributor,” said UDOT project manager Jessica Rice.
During the closure, drivers can access I-15 at 10600 South. Eastbound and westbound 9000 South traffic will be detoured to 10600 South. Drivers should plan extra travel time and follow the detour signs during the closure. Drivers can get more information about the detour by visiting the project website.
“(The new system) will enhance safety by eliminating the weaving of cars trying to get on the freeway near I-215,” she said. “What we’re doing is building a new collector/distributor system that will change the commute for the better by cutting our own traffic delays in half in this area.”
The new collector/distributor system is similar to one between 2100 South and 900 South in Salt Lake City, with a three-lane freeway section, separated from the I-15 travel lanes by a concrete barrier. The collector/distributor will run parallel to northbound I-15 between 9400 South and the I-215 interchange and will improve access to I-215 and 7200 South. The project will also enhance safety by reducing crashes in the area by nearly 40%, officials said.
“As the cars are weaving between 90th South and the interchanges to 7200 and to 215 — we probably have a crash a day in that area,” she said. “This new collector/distributor system — being concrete barrier separated — will help with that because it’s eliminating the weave of that traffic.”
UDOT estimates approximately 130,000 vehicles travel on northbound I-15 in the area. The enhancements will be a big change to drivers’ everyday commute, Rice said.
When the new collector/distributor system opens later this year, drivers on northbound I-15 will access the new system just before reaching 9000 South. The collector/distributor will be the sole access point for 7200 South and I-215 from northbound I-15.
“Eliminating the cars weaving in and out of traffic between the 7200 South and I-215 interchanges will really enhance safety,” Rice said. “This project will change the daily commute for the better.”
The collector/distributor system is part of the $163 million I-15 northbound project, which will also add a new travel lane from Bangerter Highway to 9400 South. The project is scheduled for completion next summer.
UDOT estimates the entire project could cut northbound travel times by 50%.
“(The improvements) will enhance safety and it’ll keep our local commuters and our regional commuters and everybody moving through smoothly,” Rice said.
“These major changes on northbound I-15 will enhance safety and reduce traffic delays,” she added. “We’re making it easier to connect to the 7200 South and I-215 interchanges in a way that meets our transportation needs now and in the future.”
