Several northbound I-215 off-ramps, including the critical exit for Salt Lake City International Airport, are closed to traffic through Labor Day as part of a major infrastructure project. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) announced that the closures began at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, affecting motorists traveling through the I-215 and I-80 interchange.
Airport Access and Ramp Closures
The ongoing construction on I-215 West, stretching from SR-201 to North Temple, includes several significant traffic disruptions. According to UDOT, the northbound I-215 to westbound I-80 ramp is scheduled to remain closed through September 2. Additionally, the northbound I-215 to eastbound I-80 ramp will also be closed through September 2.
Travelers heading to the Salt Lake City International Airport are advised to use I-15 as an alternate route during these closures. The airport, located six miles west of downtown Salt Lake City, is typically accessible via Interstate 80, off Exit 115B or from Bangerter Highway.
Extended Closure Timelines
Other significant ramp closures are also in effect as the project progresses. The northbound I-215 to Redwood Road ramp is scheduled to remain closed through October 2. Conversely, the ramp from Redwood Road to northbound I-215 is expected to remain closed through July 2027.
UDOT noted that while the Redwood Road to northbound I-215 ramp is closed, the ramp from Redwood Road to southbound I-215 remains currently open. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, follow all posted detour routes, and allow for extra travel time due to these changes.
Infrastructure Rehabilitation Details
The project involves extensive roadway reconstruction and the rehabilitation of 30 bridges. In addition to the bridge work, crews are performing pavement reconstruction on 14 miles of ramps located on I-80 and California Avenue.
As part of the I-215 and I-80 interchange work, a signed detour route is available via the 700 North exit. Motorists can utilize a continuous U-turn to enter southbound I-215 and proceed to westbound I-80. All traffic has been shifted to newly reconstructed pavement on the west side of I-215 to accommodate the next phase of construction.
Local Street and I-80 Impacts
Beyond the major highway ramps, local street traffic is also expected to face intermittent restrictions. UDOT reported that bridges over 500 South, Indiana Avenue, California Avenue, and 1700 South are undergoing rehabilitation. Travelers should expect various restrictions, including intermittent traffic restrictions and lane shifts, while work is conducted on these streets.
On Interstate 80, motorists should expect nightly lane restrictions from 9 p.m. through the early morning hours. These nightly restrictions are expected to continue through the next week. The construction process may also result in increased noise, dust, and vibration in the surrounding areas.
UDOT Leadership and Vision
The large-scale reconstruction is part of a long-term initiative by the Utah Department of Transportation to improve regional mobility. The project is expected to continue through Summer 2027, though UDOT noted that construction schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions and the availability of materials.
The department's leadership, including Commissioner Carlos Braceras and Deputy Directors Ben Huot and Lisa Wilson, oversees the agency's strategic goals of optimizing mobility and preserving infrastructure. Braceras, who has served as Commissioner since 2013, has previously worked on major regional projects such as the Legacy Parkway/I-15 North Project.
Stay Informed
For those seeking weekly updates on the I-215 West project, the UDOT public information team is accepting requests via email. By contacting the team and entering 'Weekly Updates' in the subject line, residents can stay informed about ongoing changes to the construction schedule.
