Construction slows I-15 traffic in American Fork, Lehi

PROVO — Slow. That's how to describe southbound I-15 in American Fork and Lehi for the next three weeks.

A new lane restriction that took effect Monday is backing up traffic day and night in northern Utah County.

The freeway goes from four lanes down to three, as crews have begun putting down concrete near the 500 East exit in American Fork, as part of the I-15 Core project.

"We've promised to keep three lanes open during the course of the project," said UDOT Spokesman Scott Thompson. "We're still maintaining that even with the restrictions of the concrete pouring, while it will cause some congestion the next couple of weeks, we think people will get adjusted."

The good news is that it's temporary, but for the next three weeks drivers should expect round-the-clock delays.

The work has also closed the southbound off-ramps and on-ramps at the 500 East interchange.

UDOT is trying to alleviate some of the backup by encouraging drivers to take State Street as a detour.

"If they get off and want to get through American Fork, Lehi and Pleasant Grove, we're coordinating these signals so they can get through faster on the local streets as well," Thompson said.

The daytime closure extends through Lindon, slowing southbound traffic for about six miles.

UDOT says it is trying to get as much work done as possible before the weather slows down construction.

"It's going to be congested for a while, but while this will be a temporary inconvenience we'll get it open as soon as possible," Thompson said.

There are also some major night time closures planned this week at 500 East for work on a new overpass bridge.

Thursday night all northbound lanes will close at 11 p.m. and then Friday all southbound lanes will close at 11 p.m.

e-mail: spenrod@desnews.com