Traffic artery opens to flow of motorists into heart of downtown West Valley

Recently, West Valley City officials and representatives of the Utah Department of Transportation marked the end of construction of a new access point for motorists driving into the local city center.

On Jan. 4, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to formally announce the completed $6 million road project to improve access between the I-215 interchange and 3800 South. The UDOT project, completed in coordination with West Valley City, added new frontage road 2400 West between 3500 South and 3800 South.

West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder said the completed road project was an indication of great things developing in the symbolic “downtown” heart of the city.

“This project is a big part of what we call the renaissance of West Valley City,” he said.

The project includes realigned southbound on and off ramps from I-215 onto 3500 South to provide an access point to the new frontage road. UDOT construction crews also installed a new noise-barrier wall along the off-ramp and infrastructure for a meter on the on-ramp.

The new road configuration provides another option to travel into the commercial district surrounding the Valley Fair Mall and allows drivers to avoid using the busy intersection from westbound 3500 South at 2700 West.

UDOT estimates approximately 46,000 vehicles travel in the project area per day, and that the new interstate ramps and frontage road will help to decrease traffic congestion.

“It is now easier and safe to get where you want to go,” UDOT Project Manager Oanh Lespradlin said in an official statement.

The project is also being touted as a major development to aid business growth in the area because the increased convenience for visitors could encourage more people to shop in the area.

West Valley City Economic Development Director Brent Garlick said the completed road project will be of great benefit to the city.

“[The new frontage road] provides a convenient access,” Garlick said.

To view an animation showing how to navigate the new traffic configuration through the West Valley City website, go to www.wvc-ut.gov, or visit the UDOT site at www.udot.utah.gov/go/i215and3500south.