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WEST JORDAN — A massive $56.6 million project to widen a major road through two Salt Lake County cities will begin shortly after Independence Day next week, state transportation officials said Wednesday.
The Utah Department of Transportation project widens 9000 South from Redwood Road in West Jordan to 700 West in Sandy, a stretch of road that handles almost 50,000 cars every day, as well as "numerous" bicyclists and pedestrians, according to the agency.
UDOT officials contend that 9000 South's importance as an east-west corridor in the southwestern part of the county has led to "heavy congestion" that is expected to worsen as the county grows. They add that it also has "insufficient" shoulders and sidewalks, and doesn't have lanes for bicycles.
The project calls for an extra travel lane in both directions, bumping it from five lanes to seven, while 9000 South from 700 West to State Street will be repaved. Crews will also add new buffered bicycle lanes and continuous sidewalks within the main project area, and replace a bridge that crosses over the Jordan River.
The whole project is currently scheduled to be completed by spring 2025.
"9000 South is an essential east-west route that drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists rely on," UDOT project manager Rebecka Stromness said in a statement. "We're working to help traffic flow more smoothly, reduce delays and improve safety for everyone who uses this road."
The agency posted online that it will begin right after Independence Day to "avoid any potential traffic impacts" during the weekend ahead of the holiday and the holiday itself on Tuesday. The two-year project is also expected to cause some headaches for those who live or work by the roadway and those who use it now.
Officials said Wednesday construction is expected to produce additional noise, dust and vibration. There may also be some night work over the next two years. Lane shifts, narrowed lanes, as well as night and weekend lane closures are also likely at times because of the construction.
"Please be aware of changing traffic patterns and reduce speed in the work zone," UDOT wrote on a webpage about the project.
The 9000 South widening is one of the largest projects that UDOT was scheduled to begin this year. A widening of Redwood Road from 6200 South to the I-215 interchange and four new freeway-style interchanges on Bangerter Highway are some of the other major projects happening in Salt Lake County this year.
