US 89 will be the main alternative for drivers looking to avoid the I-15 freeway closure in Layton overnight this weekend. Screen grab from UDOT cameras
LAYTON, Utah — Getting around Northern Utah won’t be easy this weekend in part because of a series of construction projects and at least one freeway closure.
For the third weekend in a row, I-15 southbound will be reduced to one lane between 500 South and 2100 South in Salt Lake City. In Layton, crews will completely close the interstate in both directions.
The closure of I-15 through Layton will take place overnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights between Layton Parkway and Antelope Drive. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) says crews plan to tear down portions of the Gentile Street bridge, which runs over the freeway.
Drivers will need to take side streets or US 89 as their alternate during the following times:
It’s part of UDOT’s I-15 Express Lanes project. Not only will the Gentile Street bridge be widened, but I-15 itself is also being widened from Layton to Riverdale in order to extend the HOV lane in both directions. UDOT officials advise drivers to expect delays and allow extra travel time for reroutes.
For people heading into the area’s canyons for recreation purposes, both Big Cottonwood and American Fork Canyons will be getting new pavement.
Crews are repaving S.R. 92 from 5500 West in Highland to the Pine Hollow trail-head, as well as S.R. 144 from S.R. 92 to Tibble Fork Reservoir. And shoulders will also be getting a face-lift in American Fork Canyon (S.R. 92).
UDOT says the work will occur day and night Sundays through Fridays, and to expect up to 15-minutes of delays as flaggers will be moving traffic one-way, in alternating directions. Restrictions affecting trailhead access and entrance fee collection are also in place.
Drivers looking for a scenic route in Big Cottonwood Canyon will also see delays from milepost eight — just past the Mineral Fork trailhead — to the Brighton Ski Resort loop. Expect up to 15 minute delays as flaggers will direct traffic one-way through that stretch.
Crews will only perform work in Big Cottonwood Canyon during daylight hours Monday through Thursday. It will last for several months.