- UDOT is opening new lanes on Pioneer Crossing to reduce congestion by 50%.
- The project, ahead of schedule, is part of a larger flex lanes system.
- Nightly closures start May 10 for overhead flex lanes signage installation.
LEHI — Utah County drivers traveling between American Fork and Saratoga Springs on Pioneer Crossing may notice a slight difference in their commute next week.
The Utah Department of Transportation announced Friday that a new lane in each direction of travel along the corridor will open just in time for the Monday morning commute.
People traveling west from American Fork or Lehi into Saratoga Springs — and vice versa — will be able to use the new lanes along a 4.5-mile stretch of Pioneer Crossing.
The goal, according to UDOT, is to reduce congestion and increase the road's capacity by 50% and help more cars through one of the busiest corridors in northwest Utah County.
"If you've ever driven along Pioneer Crossing, you know how needed this project is," UDOT Region 3 Director Rob Clayton said in a statement. "Opening these lanes will make a noticeable difference and provide a more reliable commute for the thousands of people who rely on this road every day."
The lanes are opening a couple of months ahead of schedule thanks to the recent dry winter, strong coordination between UDOT and contractor WW Clyde, and innovative construction approaches, the transportation agency said in a press release.
This is just one piece of a bigger project underway by UDOT to create a flex lane system along Pioneer Crossing, which began last fall. By the end of 2026, the road will transition to flex lanes between I-15 and Redwood Road.
As construction on the project persists, UDOT said starting May 10, drivers can expect nightly full closures of portions of Pioneer Crossing so crews can install overhead structures for future flex lanes signage.
Once complete, UDOT projects that the new traffic system will cut driver commute times on Pioneer Crossing down by more than six minutes a day. Transportation officials said during peak travel times, drivers will have up to four lanes in the peak direction — eastbound lanes in the morning and four westbound lanes in the evening.
Pioneer Crossing is one of several transportation projects in progress across Utah County, specifically in the northwest portion.
UDOT recently started construction of a new freeway on 2100 North that will eventually connect commuters between the Mountain View Corridor and I-15.
"Each of these projects plays a valuable role in what we call 'connectivity,'" Clayton said. "They support major corridors like Mountain View and I-15, while also helping local trips to school, work and recreation. Progress on Pioneer Crossing brings us one step closer to giving drivers more travel options across the region."
