168-663: Interstate 215 ( I-215 ), also known locally as the Belt Route , is the only auxiliary Interstate in the U.S. state of Utah , forming a three-quarters loop around Salt Lake City and many of its suburbs. The route begins at the mouth of Parley's Canyon at a junction with I-80 east of the city center, and heads south through the edge of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area 's eastern suburbs of Millcreek , Holladay , and Cottonwood Heights . It continues west through Murray before turning north again, passing through
336-658: A State of Deseret . The Mormon settlements provided pioneers for other settlements in the West. Salt Lake City became the hub of a "far-flung commonwealth" of Mormon settlements. With new church converts coming from the East and around the world, Church leaders often assigned groups of church members as missionaries to establish other settlements throughout the West. They developed irrigation to support fairly large pioneer populations along Utah's Wasatch front (Salt Lake City, Bountiful and Weber Valley, and Provo and Utah Valley). Throughout
504-520: A cloverleaf interchange at SR-201 , the route turns north again. Beyond a single-point urban interchange at California Avenue, the freeway continues north. A partial stack interchange involving I-80, Redwood Road, and the access road to Salt Lake City International Airport is next. The freeway loses one lane in each direction as the Interstate passes the airport to the east. Two diamond interchanges at 700 North and 2100 North occur as
672-653: A Mormon missionary for thirteen years, and a Salt Lake City newspaper owner, finally left Utah and wrote The Rocky Mountain Saints . His book gives a witnessed account of life in Utah, both the good and the bad. He finally left Utah and Mormonism after financial ruin occurred when Brigham Young sent Stenhouse to relocate to Ogden, Utah, according to Stenhouse, to take over his thriving pro-Mormon Salt Lake Telegraph newspaper. In addition to these testimonies, The Confessions of John D. Lee , written by John D. Lee—alleged "Scapegoat" for
840-423: A citizens' group named Cottonwood Inc. halted right-of-way acquirements due to the lack of an environmental impact statement (EIS). Also controversial was a proposed cloverleaf interchange at 2000 East. By mid-1975, an EIS was released with four main alternatives: a no-build alternative which would leave a gap in the southeast quadrant, building the road along the modern-day path (at about 6400 South), moving
1008-472: A connector to I-70 for southbound I-15 motorists.) Several miles north of Scipio, I-15 leaves Millard County and enters Juab County before turning northeastward again. After an interchange with the Yuba Lake Road is another interchange at Mills Junction / SR-78 just southeast of Chicken Creek Reservoir. The freeway then continues roughly north-northeast until it turns northeast to pass through
1176-535: A direct connection to 1500 West would improve safety and reduce congestion on mainline I-15 and US-89 by decreasing demand on Park Lane. The project is currently in design with plans for construction in 2024. Construction of the Shepard Lane interchange started in late February of 2024 In March 2022, the Utah Department of Transportation initiated an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
1344-412: A distance of approximately seven miles (11 km). The project also replaced the existing pavement with new 40-year concrete, reconstructed the 14600 South ( SR-140 ) interchange as a single-point urban interchange to improve traffic flow, and installed new traffic management technology such as cameras, ramp meters, electronic message signs, and fiber optics. The project cost $ 215 million. With
1512-771: A general purpose lane from Utah SR-201 in Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake, affectionately known as "The Spaghetti Bowl", to 12300 South in Draper. In addition, the I-15/I-215 interchange in Midvale was modified, where traffic from westbound I-215 now enters directly onto I-15 prior to the 7200 South exit, instead of merging with I-215 eastbound traffic on the collector/distributor ramp then entering onto I-15 after 7200 South. The 7200 South on and off ramps were reconstructed to accommodate this modification. 7200 South
1680-416: A grade-separated ramp from northbound 2000 East to eastbound I-215. Past this junction, another interchange at Union Park Avenue appears. Another grade-separated ramp from Union Park Avenue is present. The freeway enters Murray as an interchange serving westbound motorists connects to 280 East and State Street ( U.S. Route 89 , or US-89). Eastbound travelers connect to State Street further west at
1848-584: A high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane in both directions. In order to accommodate the new width of the freeway, bridges at Beck Street, US 89, and 1100 North were replaced. The bridges at 800 North and 1100 North were replaced by one bridge at 1100 North. A new single point interchange was constructed between 2008 and November 2010 at 11400 South in Draper . The project also widened I-15 from 10600 South to just past 11400 South from three to four general purpose lanes, extended
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#17327823407342016-451: A major reason for poor air quality in Utah . On March 18, 2020, Utah suffered a 5.7 magnitude earthquake originating 3.7 mi (6.0 km) northeast of Magna, near Salt Lake City. Utah is known for its natural diversity and is home to features ranging from arid deserts with dunes to thriving pine forests in mountain valleys. It is a rugged and geographically diverse state at the convergence of three distinct geological regions:
2184-626: A mile (1.6 km) west of Kanarraville, it reaches an interchange in Hamilton Fort . The freeway then briefly turns nearly east before turning north again to pass through the west side of Cedar City . The first interchange is at the southern end of SR-130 (Main Street) and the Cedar City I-15 Business Loop. Just north is the 200 South ( SR-56 ) interchange, which provides access to downtown Cedar City as well as
2352-493: A more north-northeastern course as it ascends about 1,000 feet (300 m) higher on the Colorado Plateau . Along the way, it passes through the areas of Browse and Pintura , with interchanges at both, as well as two more ranch exits further northeast. After its ascent, it passes by the east of side of Ash Creek Reservoir and then by the northwest corner of Zion National Park , with an interchange providing access to
2520-404: A new Triumph Boulevard bridge over I-15, and bike and pedestrian improvements. The final cost for the project was $ 415 million. Future elements not being constructed at this time are expected to include a new North Lehi interchange, a one-way frontage road system extended from SR-92 to the new North Lehi interchange, and freeway-to-freeway connector ramps at 2100 North to connect I-15 to
2688-468: A new curb, gutter, and sidewalk. Construction was originally scheduled to begin in 2023 however, with the additional funding nearly doubling the size and effort necessary to design the improvements, construction will begin in 2025. The Utah Department of Transportation completed the Shepard Lane environmental assessment in July 2020. The study determined that a new interchange along with widening and providing
2856-482: A northbound offramp and southbound onramp for US 89, a southbound offramp and a northbound onramp for Legacy Parkway, as well connection with Park Lane. The interchange is just west of the Lagoon amusement park and is the end of the second I-15 / US 89 overlap. From this interchange, it heads northwest before leaving Farmington and entering Kaysville . Just inside Kaysville are two former rest areas. While
3024-546: A peripheral part of New Spain (and later of Mexico). Even while it was Mexican territory, many of the Utah region’s earliest European settlers were from the United States; notable among these were Mormons who were fleeing marginalization and persecution in the United States and arrived via the so-called Mormon Trail . In 1848, after the Mexican–American War , the region was annexed by the U.S. , becoming part of
3192-465: A regiment of California volunteers in 1862. Connor established Fort Douglas just 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Salt Lake City and encouraged his people to discover mineral deposits to bring more non-Mormons into the territory. Minerals were discovered in Tooele County and miners began to flock to the territory. Beginning in 1865, Utah's Black Hawk War developed into the deadliest conflict in
3360-523: A rest area for northbound traffic before it reaches the next interchange, which is with 1100 South ( US 91 ). This interchange straddles the northern border of Perry and the southern border of Brigham City . (US 91 continues northeast to Logan and points northward.) Curving slightly to the west, the Interstate reaches the Forest Street interchange, followed by the 900 North ( SR-13 ) interchange. Immediately north of 900 North,
3528-570: A separate exit. The road turns northwest for a short time to approach a junction at I-15 (often called the South Interchange). Approaching the interchange, the route gains two lanes and reverts to a ground-level freeway. The freeway crosses I-15 and loses one lane as it enters Taylorsville and curves to the northwest, crossing the Jordan River in the process. Right before a partial cloverleaf interchange at Redwood Road ( SR-68 )
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#17327823407343696-422: A southbound offramp from I-15 to I-215 and a northbound onramp from I-215 to I-15. Just after this is another partial interchange that only includes a southbound offramp to West Center Street. The freeway then heads northwest to the 2600 South ( SR-93 ) interchange, which is centered on the border of North Salt Lake and Woods Cross . Continuing north once again, the Interstate reaches its next interchange, which
3864-639: A stretch where the Legacy Parkway (SR-67) parallels the Interstate on the west, with little more than train tracks in between. About another mile (1.6 km) north, the freeway leaves Centerville and enters Farmington . Next comes the partial interchange with 200 West ( SR-227 ), which only includes a northbound offramp and a southbound onramp. Heading north-northeast, it reaches the I-15 ;/ Legacy Highway / US 89 / Park Lane ( SR-225 ) interchange. This sprawling interchange provides
4032-701: Is Utah's primary and only north–south interstate highway, as the vast majority of the state's population lives along its corridor; the Logan metropolitan area is the state's only Metropolitan Statistical Area through which I-15 does not pass. In 1998, the Utah State Legislature designated Utah's entire portion of the road as the Veterans Memorial Highway . The Interstate passes through the fast-growing Dixie region, which includes St. George and Cedar City , and eventually most of
4200-436: Is a partial interchange lacking an offramp from northbound I-215 onto 3900 South. Entering Holladay , I-215 is heading south but soon turns southwest. An offramp here allows northbound motorists to connect to Wasatch Boulevard. However, this exit is signed as 3900 South and 3300 South because of the incomplete interchanges on both roads. Past an interchange at 4500 South ( SR-266 ) that serves southbound I-215,
4368-593: Is also the northern end of the I-15/I-84 overlap and the southern end of the I-15/SR-30 overlap. Straddling the northern city limits of Tremonton is another interchange signed as "Tremonton/Garland". This second interchange of the same name is with 1000 North. Curving slightly to the east, it passes by the western edge of Garland before coming to the Riverside (15200 North / SR-30) interchange, which
4536-423: Is in the preliminary stages of the design of a new interchange along I-15 at 1800 North. Additional funding was recently added to the project that will widen 1800 North from I-15 to 2000 West, providing improved mobility to residents of Sunset and Davis County at large. 1800 North will be reconstructed in concrete pavement and widened to include two lanes in each direction and a center turn lane, 12-foot shoulders, and
4704-724: Is just east of that town. About a mile (1.6 km) north of the last interchange is the Utah–Idaho border, where I-15 leaves the Ogden–Clearfield metropolitan area. From there, I-15 continues north to Malad City and on to Pocatello . The southwest–north alignment followed by I-15 was a major transportation corridor in the early 20th century, followed by auto trails such as the Arrowhead Trail (south from Salt Lake City), Evergreen National Highway (entire length), and Banff–Grand Canyon Road (north from Nephi ). In 1926, when
4872-575: Is just over the Nevada state line in the southern Snake Range. One of western Utah's most impressive, but least visited attractions is Notch Peak , the tallest limestone cliff in North America, located west of Delta . Much of the scenic southern and southeastern landscape (specifically the Colorado Plateau region) is sandstone , specifically Kayenta sandstone and Navajo sandstone . The Colorado River and its tributaries wind their way through
5040-520: Is just southwest of that city and is the northern end of the I-15/SR-30 overlap. Continuing a slightly winding course north, the Interstate reaches the Plymouth (20800 North / SR-13 ) interchange, which is just northwest of that town. Heading north and then to the northeast, the freeway reaches the Portage (25800 North / Center Street), which is the last interchange in the state and
5208-549: Is northern course, but before leaving Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, it has northbound on- and offramps for the Beck Street (US 89) interchange. After entering Davis County , the city of North Salt Lake , and the Ogden–Clearfield metropolitan area , I-15 has the southbound on- and offramps for the Beck Street (US 89) interchange. Next is the junction between I-15 and I-215 (Belt Route), which only provides
Interstate 215 (Utah) - Misplaced Pages Continue
5376-446: Is only a northbound offramp to eastbound SR-26 and a southbound onramp from westbound SR-26. (Eastbound SR-26 provides the only access to eastbound I-84 .) At this interchange, the Interstate also transitions from Roy to Riverdale . Heading northwest, I-15 then merges with I-84, but there is no northbound access to I-84 nor westbound access from I-84 to I-15. This also begins the I-15/I-84 overlap. Immediately northwest of this interchange
5544-477: Is the Ogden-Hinckley Airport ; however, since the airport is slightly above hill, it is not visible from the freeway. Two additional lanes are added north of this junction for a total of four in each direction. Just after leaving Riverdale, the Interstate enters Ogden and reaches the 31st Street (3100 South / SR-79 ) interchange. Curving back to the northwest, the freeway comes to
5712-474: Is the Dixie Drive interchange. A collector ramp is added between Dixie Drive and the next interchange with Bluff Street ( SR-18 ). I-15 then narrows to two lanes in each direction and turns northeast again, where it passes the eastern side of downtown St. George , with an interchange at St. George Boulevard ( SR-34 ). The Bluff Street and St. George Boulevard interchanges are the southern and northern ends of
5880-537: Is the central feature of protected state and federal parks such as Arches , Bryce Canyon , Canyonlands , Capitol Reef , and Zion national parks, Cedar Breaks , Grand Staircase–Escalante , Hovenweep , and Natural Bridges national monuments, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (site of the popular tourist destination, Lake Powell ), Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley state parks, and Monument Valley . The Navajo Nation also extends into southeastern Utah, and
6048-541: Is the lowest point in the state, at 2,000 feet (610 m). The northernmost portion of the Mojave Desert is also located in this area. Dixie is quickly becoming a popular recreational and retirement destination, and the population is growing rapidly. Although the Wasatch Mountains end at Mount Nebo near Nephi , a complex series of mountain ranges extends south from the southern end of the range down
6216-585: Is the only state where every county contains some national forest. Utah features a dry, semi-arid to desert climate , although its many mountains feature a large variety of climates, with the highest points in the Uinta Mountains being above the timberline . The dry weather is a result of the state's location in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada in California. The eastern half of
6384-467: Is the variety of its terrain . Running down the middle of the state's northern third is the Wasatch Range , which rises to heights of almost 12,000 ft (3,700 m) above sea level. Utah is home to world-renowned ski resorts made popular by light, fluffy snow and winter storms that regularly dump up to three feet of it overnight. In the state's northeastern section, running east to west, are
6552-477: Is with SR-269 and includes the offramps from northbound I-15/I-80 to eastbound 600 South and the onramps from westbound 500 South to southbound I-15/I-80. The next two interchanges are overlain and include I-80 (the northern end of the I-80 overlap) and 400 South (West University Boulevard). (The later interchange only permits HOV or toll use of the northbound offramp and the southbound onramp from and to
6720-451: Is with 500 South ( SR-68 ). Parts of this interchange are spread over three cities, with Woods Cross on the south, a panhandle of Bountiful in the middle, and West Bountiful on the north. Continuing north, it comes to another partial interchange with 400 North, which only includes a northbound offramp and a southbound onramp. After a slight jog to the east comes the junction with US 89 (500 West). This junction straddles
6888-770: Is with Timpanogos Highway / Clubhouse Drive ( SR-92 ), after which the Interstate gains an additional two lanes, which is just east of Thanksgiving Point . Past Lehi, the Interstate exits the Provo metropolitan area and Utah County to enter the Salt Lake City metropolitan area as it passes through the Point of the Mountain . As the route enters the Salt Lake Valley from only one of three other points connecting Salt Lake County and Utah County (the others being SR-68 and Traverse Ridge Road), it turns northeast to pass by
Interstate 215 (Utah) - Misplaced Pages Continue
7056-490: The Cedar City Regional Airport . After this interchange, the freeway turns northeast before the final Cedar City interchange with SR-130 (once again). This interchange is also the northern end of the Cedar City I-15 Business Loop, although no longer indicated as such by signage. The freeway then passes by the eastern edge of Enoch , but without an interchange within that city. After an interchange within
7224-595: The Domínguez–Escalante expedition —left Santa Fe in 1776, hoping to find a route to the coast of California. The expedition traveled as far north as Utah Lake and encountered the native residents. The Spanish made further explorations in the region but were not interested in colonizing the area because of its desert nature. In 1821, the year Mexico achieved its independence from Spain, the region became known as part of its territory of Alta California . European trappers and fur traders explored some areas of Utah in
7392-459: The I-15 corridor, including the densely populated Wasatch Front , receives approximately 15 inches (381 mm). The Great Salt Lake Desert is the driest area of the state, with less than 5 inches (127 mm). Snowfall is common in all but the far southern valleys. Although St. George receives only about 3 inches (76 mm) per year, Salt Lake City sees about 60 inches (1,524 mm), enhanced by
7560-536: The Mountain Meadow Massacre —also came out in 1877. The corroborative testimonies coming out of Utah from Mormons and former Mormons influenced Congress and the people of the United States. In the 1890 Manifesto , the LDS Church banned polygamy. When Utah applied for statehood again , it was accepted. One of the conditions for granting Utah statehood was that a ban on polygamy be written into
7728-602: The Mountain Meadows massacre . Before troops led by Albert Sidney Johnston entered the territory, Brigham Young ordered all residents of Salt Lake City to evacuate southward to Utah Valley and sent out the Nauvoo Legion to delay the government's advance. Although wagons and supplies were burned, eventually the troops arrived in 1858, and Young surrendered official control to Cumming, although most subsequent commentators claim that Young retained true power in
7896-710: The Rocky Mountains , the Great Basin , and the Colorado Plateau . Utah covers an area of 84,899 sq mi (219,890 km ). It is one of the Four Corners states and is bordered by Idaho in the north, Wyoming in the north and east, Colorado in the east, at a single point by New Mexico to the southeast, by Arizona in the south, and by Nevada in the west. Only three U.S. states (Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming) have exclusively latitude and longitude lines as boundaries. One of Utah's defining characteristics
8064-753: The Salt Lake City International Airport . This portion of road was extended east to I-15 in North Salt Lake and upgraded to freeway standards by 1969. Construction of the southeast quadrant from I-80 (at the time replacing US-40) at Parley's Canyon to 4600 South in Holladay began in mid-1965. This involved realigning Wasatch Boulevard to parallel the route and truncating that road at 3300 South. Prior to this, Wasatch Boulevard connected to US-40. The section from I-80 to 3300 South opened by January 1967, with
8232-534: The Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. Over the next 22 years, more than 70,000 pioneers crossed the plains and settled in Utah. For the first few years, Brigham Young and the thousands of early settlers of Salt Lake City struggled to survive. The arid desert land was deemed desirable by the Mormons as a place where they could practice their religion without harassment. Settlers buried thirty-six Native Americans in one grave after an outbreak of measles occurred during
8400-761: The St. George Regional Airport . After SR-7, the route turns north as it passes the Bloomington area of the City of St. George and an interchange at Brigham Road, where an auxiliary lane is added before it crosses the Virgin River . This marks the lowest elevation along I-15 in Utah, 2,560 feet (780 m) above sea level. Immediately north of the Virgin River and partially spanning the Santa Clara River ,
8568-742: The U.S. government intensified due to the practice of plural marriage , or polygamy , among members of the LDS Church. The Mormons were still pushing for the establishment of a State of Deseret with the new borders of the Utah Territory. Most, if not all, of the members of the U.S. government opposed the polygamous practices of the Mormons. Members of the LDS Church were viewed as un-American and rebellious when news of their polygamous practices spread. In 1857, particularly heinous accusations of abdication of government and general immorality were leveled by former associate justice William W. Drummond, among others. The detailed reports of life in Utah caused
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#17327823407348736-612: The Uinta Mountains , which rise to heights of over 13,000 feet (4,000 m). The highest point in the state, Kings Peak , at 13,528 feet (4,123 m), lies within the Uinta Mountains. At the western base of the Wasatch Range is the Wasatch Front , a series of valleys and basins that are home to the most populous parts of the state. It stretches approximately from Brigham City at the north end to Nephi at
8904-461: The Utah Territory , which included what later became Colorado and Nevada. Disputes between the dominant Mormon community and the federal government delayed Utah's admission as a state: in 1896, after it agreed to outlaw polygamy, it was admitted as the 45th state . People from Utah are known as Utahns. Slightly over half of all Utahns are Mormons , the vast majority of whom are members of
9072-601: The Wasatch Front , between Santaquin and Brigham City ) was raised to 80 mph (130 km/h). In 2015, the UDOT raised the speed limit on the Wasatch Front urban stretch through Salt Lake City to 70 mph (110 km/h). Also, in 2016, the speed limit through the St. George metro area was raised to 70 mph (110 km/h). As of October 2016, the longest continuous high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) facility in
9240-616: The death of Joseph Smith in 1844, Brigham Young , as president of the Quorum of the Twelve , became the leader of the LDS Church in Nauvoo, Illinois . To address the growing conflicts between his people and their neighbors, Young agreed with Illinois Governor Thomas Ford in October 1845 that the Mormons would leave by the following year. Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers reached
9408-612: The lake-effect snow from the Great Salt Lake, which increases snowfall totals to the south, southeast, and east of the lake. Interstate 15 in Utah Interstate ;15 ( I-15 ) runs north–south in the U.S. state of Utah through the southwestern and central portions of the state, passing through most of the state's population centers, including St. George and those comprising the Wasatch Front : Provo–Orem , Salt Lake City , and Ogden–Clearfield . It
9576-501: The least income inequality of any U.S. state. Over time and influenced by climate change , droughts in Utah have been increasing in frequency and severity, putting a further strain on Utah's water security and impacting the state's economy. The name Utah derives from the name of the Ute tribe , meaning 'people of the mountains'. However, no such word exists in the Utes' language, and
9744-495: The 21st Street (2100 South / SR-104 ) interchange. The freeway then leaves West Haven and enters Marriott-Slaterville and immediately crosses the Weber River . The next interchange is with 12th Street (1200 South / SR-39 ), at which point the freeway loses one lane in each direction. Continuing on with three lanes in each direction, the Interstate reaches the 400 North interchange. Similar to
9912-428: The 24th South ( SR-53 ) interchange. Although the signage specifies "24th Street", this partial interchange (which only provides a northbound offramp and a southbound onramp) is actually with Pennsylvania Avenue (also SR-53), which promptly connects with 24th Street (2400 South) northeast of the interchange. As it leaves Ogden and enters West Haven , I-15 curves to the north-northwest before coming to
10080-455: The 24th Street interchange, although signage indicates "400 North", this interchanges actually connects with Pioneer Road, which promptly connects with 400 North just east of the interchange. North of this interchange, I-15 heads directly north to leave Marriott-Slaterville and enter Farr West . Continuing north, it reaches the 2700 North ( SR-134 ) before it curves to the north-northwest and leaves Farr West and Weber County. At
10248-464: The 2700 North interchange, the freeway narrows to two lanes in each direction and remains so for the remainder of its route in Utah. Upon entering the final county ( Box Elder ) along its route in Utah, I-15 also enters the area of South Willard and then reaches the Willard (2000 West / SR-126 ) interchange. (SR-126 connects with US 89 just west of the interchange.) Before leaving
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#173278234073410416-651: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which has its world headquarters in Salt Lake City; Utah is the only state where a majority of the population belongs to a single church. The LDS Church greatly influences Utahn culture, politics, and daily life, though since the 1990s the state has become more religiously diverse as well as secular. Utah has a highly diversified economy , with major sectors including transportation, education , information technology and research, government services, mining, multi-level marketing , and tourism. Utah has been one of
10584-581: The I-15 bridges at Church Street and 200 South were replaced and widened, an auxiliary lane was added from Layton Parkway to Hill Field Road, bridges at Gentile Street, 700 South, Union Pacific Railroad bridge, and 5600 South were widened and the bridge decks were replaced, the bridge at 650 North was widened, and new ramp metering was installed at the on ramps of Antelope Drive, 700 South, 650 North, and Riverdale Road. Express Lane tolling began along this corridor on October 31, 2022. The I-15 Southbound Project added
10752-597: The I-15 reconstruction project was the Utah Department of Transportation's first major Interstate reconstruction project. The project involved the renovation of 16.2 miles (26.1 km) of I-15 from 600 North in Salt Lake City to 10600 South ( SR-151 ) in Sandy . Improvements included repaving concrete, adding another general-purpose lane and a high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane, along with an auxiliary lane between major interchanges in each direction through
10920-427: The Interstate 15 (I-15) Farmington to Salt Lake City Project. A 2019-2050 Regional Transportation Plan includes two projects that identify improvements to I-15 in Davis and Salt Lake Counties: • I-15 widening (from 5 lanes to 6 lanes in each direction) from Farmington to Salt Lake County line • I-15 widening (from 4 and 5 lanes to 6 lanes in each direction) in Davis County to 600 North The purpose of this EIS project
11088-469: The Interstate and where I-15 curves slightly to the west. The final interchange in town is on the northern city limits at 11400 South ( SR-175 ). This interchange is on the southern border of Sandy , and is the first of three within that city. The next interchange is with 10600 South ( SR-151 ). The final interchange in Sandy is with 9000 South ( SR-209 ). Shortly after the last interchange in Sandy, it leaves that city and enters Midvale , with
11256-480: The Interstate enters Clearfield and reaches the 700 South ( SR-193 ) interchange. From this interchange, north I-15 runs along the western edge of Hill Air Force Base . The next interchange is with 650 North, which also provides direct access to the west part of the airforce base. Just after this interchange, the freeway leaves Clearfield, turns north, and enters Sunset , but has no further interchanges before leaving that city and Davis County. Just prior to
11424-452: The Interstate in the Salt Lake County region. This reconstruction cost $ 1.63 billion, with $ 448 million being federally funded and $ 1,184 million being funded by Utah . The I-15 EXPRESSLink project took place between December 2008 and fall 2010. It involved the renovation of I-15 between 500 North in Salt Lake City and the northern terminus of I-215 in North Salt Lake . Renovations included new concrete and added
11592-491: The Interstate leaves Honeyville and immediately crosses the Bear River . It then enters the town of Elwood and reaches the Tremonton / Garland (5200 West / SR-13 ) interchange. The freeway then leaves Elwood and enters Tremonton shortly after that. Just inside Tremonton is the I-15/I-84/ SR-30 junction. From this junction, I-84 and SR-30 head northwest to Snowville and on to Burley and Boise , Idaho , while I-15 continues north through Tremonton. This interchange
11760-506: The Interstate turns north to pass by the western edge of Spring Lake before entering Payson , turning northeast, and reaching the 800 South ( SR-178 ) interchange. Continuing northeast, the freeway reaches the interchange with North Main Street ( SR-115 / 3200 West) in north Payson. Maintaining its course to the northeast, it passes the eastern edge of Benjamin , with an interchange with SR-164 (8000 South), and enters Spanish Fork and gains one lane in each direction. On
11928-423: The Kolob Canyon area of the park. Next is an interchange that provides access to New Harmony (several miles west) and Kanarraville (several miles to the northeast). This interchange is also at the border of Washington County and Iron County . Just after entering Iron County, I-15 reaches the southernmost rest areas along its route within the state (with one each, northbound and southbound). After passing about
12096-602: The LDS Church's first three temples in Utah, each started after but finished many years before the larger and better-known temple built in Salt Lake City was completed in 1893), as well as Parowan, Cedar City, Bluff, Moab, Vernal, Fillmore (which served as the territorial capital between 1850 and 1856), Nephi, Levan, Spanish Fork, Springville, Provo Bench (now Orem ), Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Sandy, Murray, Jordan, Centerville, Farmington, Huntsville, Kaysville, Grantsville, Tooele, Roy, Brigham City, and many other smaller towns and settlements. Young had an expansionist view of
12264-801: The Olympic venues built along the Wasatch Front continue to be used for sporting events. Preparation for the Olympics spurred the development of the light-rail system in the Salt Lake Valley , known as TRAX , and the reconstruction of the freeway system around the city. In 1957, Utah created the Utah State Parks Commission with four parks. Today, Utah State Parks manages 43 parks and several undeveloped areas totaling over 95,000 acres (380 km ) of land and more than 1,000,000 acres (4,000 km ) of water. Utah's state parks are scattered throughout Utah, from Bear Lake State Park at
12432-609: The Pacific Ocean; he subsequently learned this body of water was a giant salt lake . After the discovery of the lake, hundreds of American and Canadian traders and trappers established trading posts in the region. In the 1830s, thousands of migrants traveling from the Eastern United States to the American West began to make stops in the region of the Great Salt Lake, then known as Lake Youta. Following
12600-413: The Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Approximately 130 bridges were either constructed or reconstructed, including the conversion of seven diamond interchanges into single point urban interchanges , and the reconstruction of three major junctions with other Interstate and state routes, including I-80 , SR-201 , and I-215 . In addition, a traffic management system was added to the entire length of
12768-589: The South Willard area and entering the city of Willard , I-15 begins about a two-mile (3.2 km) stretch that runs along the western shore of the Willard Bay of the Great Salt Lake . Its next interchange is with 750 North / SR-315 . Straddling the northern border between Willard and Perry are ports of entry for both directions of traffic. Continuing north through Perry, it passes
12936-468: The St. George I-15 Business Loop . From this point north, I-15 generally follows the route of the Old US ;91 , maintaining a two-lane configuration until it reaches the Wasatch Front in the north-central part of the state. (The route of Old US 91, in turn, followed the older Arrowhead Trail highway to Salt Lake City .) After leaving St. George, I-15 continues northeast and passes through
13104-640: The Sulphurdale interchange. This mountain pass, with a summit located at milepost 124.8, is the highest point along I-15 in Utah, at 6,611 feet (2,015 m) above sea level. After passing west of the ghost town of Sulphurdale , it reaches the interchange with the western end of I-70 . This interchange is on the border of Beaver and Millard counties. North of the I-15/I-70 interchange, I-70 heads east to Richfield and then toward Denver, Colorado , while I-15 continues north to pass by Cove Fort on
13272-480: The U.S. is on I-15 in Utah , extending approximately 72.0 miles (115.9 km) from Spanish Fork to Layton with a single HOV lane each direction for a total of 144.0 miles (231.7 km) of HOV lanes. As of October 2022, an additional 10 miles in each direction was added extending the lanes from Spanish Fork to Riverdale for a total of 164 miles of HOV lanes. Taking place between April 1997 and July 2001,
13440-430: The U.S. states and territories, Utah, with a population of just over three million, is the 13th largest by area , the 30th most populous , and the 11th least densely populated . Urban development is mostly concentrated in two regions: the Wasatch Front in the north-central part of the state, which includes the state capital, Salt Lake City , and is home to roughly two-thirds of the population; and Washington County in
13608-586: The United States had taken control of New Mexico and California. The entire Southwest became U.S. territory upon the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo , February 2, 1848. The treaty was ratified by the United States Senate on March 11. Learning that California and New Mexico were applying for statehood, the settlers of the Utah area (originally having planned to petition for territorial status) applied for statehood with an ambitious plan for
13776-422: The United States. The project was completed on December 15, 2012—35 months from the original notice to proceed—and finished $ 260 million under budget (coming in at $ 1.465 billion total). I-15 CORE widened the freeway by two lanes in each direction and replaced the original asphalt with new 40-year concrete pavement; rebuilt 63 bridges; reconstructed 10 freeway interchanges; and extended
13944-559: The Utah/Idaho border to Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum deep in the Four Corners region and everywhere in between. Utah State Parks is also home to the state's off highway vehicle office, state boating office, and the trails program. During the late 20th century, the state grew quickly. In the 1970s growth was phenomenal in the suburbs of the Wasatch Front. Sandy was one of the fastest-growing cities in
14112-464: The Utes refer to themselves as Noochee . The meaning of Utes as 'the mountain people' has been attributed to the neighboring Pueblo Indians , as well as to the Apache word Yuttahih , which means 'one that is higher up' or 'those that are higher up'. In Spanish , it was pronounced Yuta ; subsequently, English-speaking people may have adapted the word as Utah . Thousands of years before
14280-685: The administration of James Buchanan to send a secret military "expedition" to Utah. When the supposed rebellion should be quelled, Alfred Cumming would take the place of Brigham Young as territorial governor. The resulting conflict is known as the Utah War , nicknamed "Buchanan's Blunder" by the Mormon leaders. In September 1857, about 120 American settlers of the Baker–Fancher wagon train, en route to California from Arkansas, were murdered by Utah Territorial Militia and some Paiute Native Americans in
14448-638: The airport to SR-201 and from State Street in Murray to 4600 South in Holladay. The first step in completing the gap was taken in June ;1979, when construction of the Interstate from State Street to 700 East began. This was followed by the Cottonwood Inc. lawsuit being awarded in favor of UDOT in November ;1979. In July 1985, the route from 280 East to Union Park Avenue
14616-495: The area of Summit , I-15 heads east-northeast before passing by the northwest edge of Parowan , with interchanges on the west (200 South / SR-143 ) and north (Main Street ;/ SR-274 ) sides of town. After Parowan, the freeway curves back to a northeast course as it passes about a mile (1.6 km) west of Paragonah and reaches an interchange on the north side of that city ( SR-271 ). Continuing northeast, it reaches
14784-707: The arrival of Europeans, the Ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont people lived in what is now known as Utah, some of which spoke languages of the Uto-Aztecan group. Ancestral Pueblo peoples built their homes through excavations in mountains, and the Fremont people built houses of straw before disappearing from the region around the 15th century. Another group of Native Americans, the Navajo , settled in
14952-526: The belt route was designated Interstate 415 . However, the I-415 designation was scrapped to provide a single route number for the entire route in 1969, with the I-215 designation covering the complete belt route. The freeway was constructed in segments, the first of which opened in 1963 between Redwood Road in North Salt Lake and 2100 North near the airport . I-215 was originally planned to be complete in
15120-470: The belt route, consisting of the rebuilding of the southern I-15 interchange in 2001, widening the freeway from six to eight lanes from 4700 South in Taylorsville to I-15 in Murray in 2004, and the addition of an interchange at Legacy Parkway in 2008. The 3300 South and 4500 South overpasses were rebuilt as well, in 2008 and 2007, respectively. In November 2017, a complete rebuild of
15288-678: The belt route, the 415 number was replaced in favor of the I-215 designation covering the entire route in 1969. Utah Utah ( / ˈ juː t ɑː / YOO -tah , / ˈ juː t ɔː / YOO -taw ) is a landlocked state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States . It is one of the Four Corners states, sharing a border with Arizona , Colorado , and New Mexico . It also borders Wyoming to its northeast, Idaho to its north, and Nevada to its west. In comparison to all
15456-456: The border into Utah and Washington County . Just past the border, there is a port of entry on each side of the freeway. These ports of entry ( weigh stations ) are jointly operated by the states of Utah and Arizona and are the first northbound exit and last southbound exit on I-15 in Utah. Heading north-northeast, it continues with two lanes in each direction until it reaches an interchange with Southern Parkway ( SR-7 ), which provides access to
15624-404: The city's first-ring western suburbs of Taylorsville and West Valley City . It then enters North Salt Lake and Davis County for a short distance before reaching I-15 northwest of the city center. The Interstate was proposed in the mid-1950s, along with I-15 and I-80 through Salt Lake City. At the time, only the western portion of the belt route was assigned as I-215. The eastern portion of
15792-593: The completion of The Point project, nearly all of I-15 along the Wasatch Front has been reconstructed within the past two decades. One last section in Lehi, from SR-92 to Main Street ( SR-73 ) remained and was widened spring 2018. The Utah Department of Transportation reconstructed the I-15 Technology Corridor between Lehi Main Street and SR-92 (Timpanogos Highway) starting in 2018. The Tech Corridor
15960-401: The country at that time. Today, many areas of Utah continue to see boom-time growth. Northern Davis , southern and western Salt Lake , Summit , eastern Tooele , Utah , Wasatch , and Washington counties are all growing very quickly. Management of transportation and urbanization are major issues in politics, as development consumes agricultural land and wilderness areas and transportation is
16128-508: The early 19th century from Canada and the United States. The city of Provo, Utah , was named for one Étienne Provost , who visited the area in 1825. The city of Ogden, Utah , was named after Peter Skene Ogden , a Canadian explorer who traded furs in the Weber Valley. In late 1824, Jim Bridger became the first known English-speaking person to sight the Great Salt Lake . Due to the high salinity of its waters, he thought he had found
16296-545: The east and reach the Cove Fort ( SR-161 /Black Rock Road) interchange. Off the Black Rock Road interchange is an official rest stop, courtesy of UDOT and the local Chevron Station . I-15 meanders to the north-northeast before straightening out to the northeast–southwest of Kanosh . The freeway passes by the northwestern side of Meadow , having an interchange with North Main Street ( SR-133 ). It then passes through
16464-529: The eastern Great Basin. West of the Great Salt Lake , stretching to the Nevada border, lies the arid Great Salt Lake Desert . One exception to this aridity is Snake Valley , which is (relatively) lush due to large springs and wetlands fed from groundwater derived from snow melt in the Snake Range , Deep Creek Range , and other tall mountains to the west of Snake Valley. Great Basin National Park
16632-441: The eastern edge of Bluffdale . It then enters Draper and heads north to pass through the western part of that city, with four interchanges along the way. The first is with Highland Drive / 14600 South ( SR-140 ). The next interchange is with Bangerter Highway ( SR-154 ). The third interchange in Draper is with 12300 South (US 89 / SR-71 ). This interchange is also where US 89 ends its first overlap with
16800-467: The eastern edge of Rocky Ridge before promptly leaving Juab County and entering Utah County . As the freeway enters Utah County, it also enters Utah Valley , the Wasatch Front , and the Provo–Orem metropolitan area . Turning northeast, it enters the town of Santaquin , where US 6 begins its overlap with I-15 at the interchange with East Main Street / US 6 / SR-198 . Exiting Santaquin,
16968-542: The far west side of Springville , with interchanges at 400 South ( SR-77 ) and 1400 North ( SR-75 ). Off the 1400 North interchange is an official rest stop courtesy of UDOT and Flying J. Curving northwest, it passes the eastern edge of the Provo Bay of Utah Lake before reaching Provo . Upon entering Provo, it intersects with South University Avenue (the southern terminus of US 189 ) and East Lakeview Parkway. The Interstate then continues northwest, bisecting
17136-400: The fastest growing states since 2000, with the 2020 U.S. census confirming the fastest population growth in the nation since 2010. St. George was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States from 2000 to 2005. Utah ranks among the overall best states in metrics such as healthcare , governance, education, and infrastructure. It has the 12th-highest median average income and
17304-574: The first wildlife overpass built in the United States. Before 1977 the route of I-15 (and US 91 before) was also designated SR-1 by the state of Utah, but no portion of the route was signed with this number. The last section of I-15 within the state of Utah (as well as the entire length of the route) was finally completed in November 1990, only to have major reconstruction projects commence (starting in Salt Lake County) about 7 years later. The entire length of I-15 within Utah
17472-547: The freeway approaches Davis County . Past 2100 North, the freeway enters rural Davis County , and the road curves to the northwest. An interchange at Legacy Parkway gives northbound I-215 motorists and southbound Legacy Parkway motorists their respective connections. The road turns east and loses one lane in each direction. There is a diamond interchange at SR-68 before the highway merges into northbound I-15 in North Salt Lake . A belt route around Salt Lake City
17640-497: The freeway leaves Murray and passes through the western end of Millcreek (an unincorporated suburb of Salt Lake City) before entering South Salt Lake . After an interchange with 3300 South ( SR-171 ), the Interstate reaches the Spaghetti Bowl , which is an interchange with I-80 and SR-201 (21st South Freeway). The southern overlap of I-80 begins at this point as well as the collector roads. The collectors, but not
17808-629: The freeway passes immediately to the west of the Brigham City Airport . West of the airport, there is also a rest area for southbound traffic. At the north end of the airport, the freeway leaves Brigham City and, before continuing on a slightly more westerly, northern course. After about a mile (1.6 km) in unincorporated Box Elder County, I-15 enters Honeyville and then reaches the Honeyville ;/ Bear River (6900 North / SR-240 ) interchange. Continuing northwest,
17976-424: The freeway travels southeast along the Salt Lake Valley 's east bench with three lanes in each direction. The route enters a residential area of East Millcreek and turns south. Then, the first exit appears, an incomplete diamond interchange with 3300 South ( SR-171 ) that lacks an offramp from northbound I-215. Past this interchange, an onramp connects 3800 South to northbound I-215. A block further south
18144-552: The freeway was completed in October ;1988, closing the gap between SR-201 and I-80 (however, the California Avenue interchange wasn't opened until mid-1989). In August 1989, the road from 2000 East to 6200 South was finished, and the belt route was completed with the opening of freeway between 4500 South and 6200 South in October 1989. Since 1989, major modifications have occurred on
18312-848: The future Mountain View Corridor freeway . The Utah Department of Transportation extended the I-15 HOV/Toll Express Lanes from the Layton Parkway interchange to the Riverdale Road interchange. Construction began in May 2019 and was completed in October 2022. An HOV/Toll lane was added to both the northbound and southbound directions along the 10-mile (16 km) corridor to accommodate the growing population and traffic in northern Davis County and southern Weber County. The project included additional improvements;
18480-559: The happiness of the very early Church members before polygamy. They independently published their books in 1875. These books and the lectures of Ann Eliza Young have been credited with the United States Congress's passage of anti-polygamy laws by newspapers throughout the United States, as recorded in "The Ann Eliza Young Vindicator", a pamphlet which detailed Ms. Young's travels and warm reception throughout her lecture tour. T. B. H. Stenhouse, former Utah Mormon polygamist,
18648-510: The high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane that previously ended at 10600 South, and added an auxiliary lane between the two interchanges. The I-15 Corridor Expansion (CORE) project was a design–build project that reconstructed 24 miles (39 km) of I-15 in Utah County, Utah between Lehi Main Street to 8000 South Spanish Fork . The $ 1.725 billion project was the fastest billion-dollar public highway project ever completed in
18816-643: The high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes from Orem to Spanish Fork . (Prior to I-15 CORE, HOV lanes had already been installed from Lehi to Orem .) The South Davis Improvements project, which took place between April 2014 and August 2015, constructed new high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes between the I-215 interchange in North Salt Lake and the US ;89 interchange in Farmington ; replaced I-15 bridges at 2600 South, 1500 South, 500 South ( SR-68 ), and 400 North ( SR-106 ); reconfigured
18984-443: The interchange at 2600 South into a partial and 500 South into a full diverging diamond interchange ; and added active transportation improvements, with better pedestrian and bicycle facilities at 500 South, 400 North, and Parrish Lane. The entire project costed $ 126 million. The two-year Point Project widened I-15 from four to six lanes in each direction between 12300 South in Draper and SR-92 in Lehi,
19152-472: The interchange with SR-241 (1600 North / 600 South). This interchange on the border of Orem and Lindon . Continuing northwest, I-15 passes through the western side of Lindon before passing by the southwest edge of Pleasant Grove , with an interchange at Pleasant Grove Boulevard. Next, the freeway enters American Fork with interchanges at 500 East ( SR-180 ) on the south end of town and West Main Street / Pioneer Crossing ( SR-145 ) on
19320-422: The main I-15 travel lanes, have interchanges with 2100 South and 1300 South, as well as West Temple Street ( SR-270 ) for northbound traffic only. (The West Temple Street offramps are signed as 900 South.) The Spaghetti Bowl is also where the freeway leaves South Salt Lake enters Salt Lake City . After entering Salt Lake City, the Interstate jogs to the west for the next three interchanges. The first
19488-440: The major cities and suburbs along the Wasatch Front, including Provo, Orem , Sandy , West Jordan , Salt Lake City, Layton , and Ogden . Around Cove Fort , I-70 begins its journey eastward across the country. The Interstate merges with I-80 for about 3 miles (4.8 km) from South Salt Lake to just west of Downtown Salt Lake City and merges with I-84 from Ogden to Tremonton . Along nearly its entire length through
19656-579: The majority of eastern Utah's population lives. Economies are dominated by mining, oil shale , oil , and natural gas-drilling, ranching , and recreation . Much of eastern Utah is part of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation . The most popular destination within northeastern Utah is Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal . Southwestern Utah is the lowest and hottest spot in Utah. It is known as Utah's Dixie because early settlers were able to grow some cotton there. Beaverdam Wash in far southwestern Utah
19824-640: The mid-1970s, but the last section, between 6200 South and 4500 South in Holladay, was not completed until 1989 because of challenges from citizens' groups over environmental impact statements. I-215 begins at an interchange at the mouth of Parley's Canyon in Millcreek near the southeast corner of Salt Lake City that connects I-80 , Foothill Drive ( State Route 186 , or SR-186) and Parleys Way. At this point, I-215 splits into three legs, connecting I-80 toward Salt Lake City, Foothill Drive, and Parleys Way, and I-80 through Parley's Canyon. From here,
19992-518: The mouth of Parley's Canyon at proposed I-80 (at the time US-40 ). Almost immediately, this plan was met with opposition among local residents in the area. The proposed route would have bisected the primarily residential Holladay suburb, as well as the southern portion of Murray. After more than two years of hearings and widespread opposition from residents, the Highway Department released their proposed routing in June 1960, which placed
20160-475: The next interchange, I-15 enters Weber County and the city of Roy . After curving slightly to the east, the freeway reaches the 5600 South ( SR-97 ) interchange, which provides access to the north end of the airforce base, including the Hill Aerospace Museum that is located immediately north of the base. The next interchange is with Riverdale Road ( SR-26 ). As a partial interchange, there
20328-581: The next pair of rest areas before an interchange with SR-20 and then a ranch exit (exit 100) before leaving Iron County. As I-15 enters Beaver County , the Interstate turns northwestward and winds its way through the mountain pass before heading north again to pass along the western edge of the city of Beaver . The southern and northern interchanges in Beaver include the I-15 Business Loop and SR-160 —the city streets are South Main Street on
20496-525: The north side of Spanish Fork is an interchange with North Main Street (US 6 and SR-156 ), after which I-15 turns north and gains one more lane in each direction. This interchange also marks the northern end of the overlap with US 6. (The section between Spanish Fork and Lehi was rebuilt in 2010–2012 as part of the I-15 CORE project .) Continuing north with four lanes, it gains an additional express lane in both directions. It then passes through
20664-498: The northern part of the city of Washington . An auxiliary lane is added between St. George Boulevard and Green Springs Road with additional interchanges at Washington Parkway and State Street ( SR-9 ). Northeast of Washington, I-15 passes through the northwestern side of the town of Leeds , with one-way interchanges on the southwest and northeast ends of town. After passing through the northwestern part of Toquerville , and an interchange with SR-17 (at Anderson Junction ), I-15 resumes
20832-484: The north–south border between West Bountiful and Bountiful. It is also a partial interchange in that it has only a southbound offramp and a northbound onramp. It also is the beginning of the second 1-15 / US 89 overlap. Continuing north, it leaves West Bountiful and enters Centerville before reaching the Parish Lane (400 North / SR-105 ) interchange. About a mile (1.6 km) north, I-15 begins
21000-443: The numbered system of U.S. highways was created, this route was signed US 91 . The route of I-15 from St. George to Brigham City was built along the corridor of what was US 91 from 1926 to 1974. In 1974, I-15 was reasonably intact and US 91 was deleted, with the unfinished segments signed as Temporary I-15. The route north of Brigham City was built along the corridor of an old routing of US 191 . This highway
21168-441: The only interchange in that city being with 7200 South ( SR-48 ). After leaving Midvale, I-15 enters Murray and immediately reaches the junction with I-215 , a beltway running through many of Salt Lake City's suburbs. Past this interchange, there are two more interchanges in Murray. The first is at 5400 South ( SR-173 ) and the second is with 4500 South / Taylorsville Expressway ( SR-266 ). After this interchange,
21336-550: The popular mid-century western film genre. From such films, most US residents recognize such natural landmarks as Delicate Arch and "the Mittens" of Monument Valley . During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, with the construction of the Interstate highway system, accessibility to the southern scenic areas was made easier. Since the establishment of Alta Ski Area in 1939 and the subsequent development of several ski resorts in
21504-408: The portion of roadway from 3300 South to 4500 South opening in November 1969. By 1973, construction was progressing on the western quadrant between I-15 in Murray and SR-201 (at the time U.S. Route 40 Alternate (US-40A)/US-50A). Land acquisition was also taking place for the rest of the southeastern quadrant between 300 East in Murray and 4600 South in Holladay. However,
21672-599: The ramps and parking areas are still intact, there are no signage or facilities remaining. Further on is the Kaysville (200 North / SR-273 ) interchange. Continuing northwest, I-15 leaves Kaysville and enters Layton , along with its three interchanges. The first interchange is with Layton Parkway and just north of it, the express lanes end, leaving just three lanes in each direction. The next two interchanges are with Hill Field Road ( SR-232 ) and then Antelope Drive (2000 North / SR-108 ). After leaving Layton,
21840-728: The region around the 18th century. In the mid-18th century, other Uto-Aztecan tribes, including the Goshute , the Paiute , the Shoshone , and the Ute people, also settled in the region. These five groups were present when the first European explorers arrived. The southern Utah region was explored by the Spanish in 1540, led by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado while looking for the legendary Cíbola . A group led by two Catholic priests—sometimes called
22008-583: The remainder of the 19th century, Mormon pioneers established hundreds of other settlements in Utah, Idaho , Nevada , Arizona , Wyoming , California , Canada , and Mexico —including in Las Vegas, Nevada ; Franklin, Idaho (the first European settlement in Idaho); San Bernardino, California ; Mesa, Arizona ; Star Valley, Wyoming ; and Carson Valley, Nevada . Prominent settlements in Utah included St. George , Logan , and Manti (where settlers completed
22176-552: The respective express lanes of I-15/I-80.) North of the ramps with I-80, I-15 loses one lane, leaving three lanes, plus the express lane, in both directions. The next interchange is with 600 North ( SR-268 ), following which the freeway jogs to the west for the next two interchanges. After the 900 West interchange (which does not include a northbound offramp) is the Warm Springs Road (northbound) and 2300 North (southbound) interchange. The freeway then returns to
22344-480: The road turns south again and begins descending toward Knudsen's Corner and Cottonwood Heights . At this point, the southbound lanes are lower than the parallel northbound lanes. The belt route flattens out upon reaching an interchange at 6200 South at Knudsen's Corner. As the freeway enters Cottonwood Heights, it turns west and becomes a sunken freeway. Then it reaches an interchange at Highland Drive, signed as 2000 East ( SR-152 ). This interchange features
22512-432: The route turns west one final time before turning north after the interchange. The freeway continues north and has another partial cloverleaf interchange at 4700 South (SR-266). The route enters West Valley City and encounters 3500 South (SR-171), where its eastbound lanes have a grade-separated ramp to northbound I-215. The road turns northeast and enters an industrial area of western Salt Lake City. After reaching
22680-470: The sandstone, creating some of the world's most striking and wild terrain (the area around the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers was the last to be mapped in the lower 48 United States). Wind and rain have also sculpted the soft sandstone over millions of years. Canyons, gullies, arches, pinnacles, buttes, bluffs, and mesas are common sights throughout south-central and southeast Utah. This terrain
22848-480: The south and 1400 North on the north. Off the 1400 North interchange, there is an official rest stop, courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the local Texaco Station . The freeway then heads slightly westward until it passes by the western side of the community of Manderfield and curves back to a north-northeast course. After several miles, there is an interchange with Manderfield Road before I-15 winds through another mountain pass and reaches
23016-539: The south end. Approximately 75 percent of the state's population lives in this corridor, and population growth is rapid. Western Utah is a mostly arid desert with a basin and range topography. Small mountain ranges and rugged terrain punctuate the landscape. The Bonneville Salt Flats are an exception, being comparatively flat as a result of once forming the bed of ancient Lake Bonneville . Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake , Sevier Lake , and Rush Lake are all remnants of this ancient freshwater lake, which once covered most of
23184-472: The southeast edge of Holden . Several miles northeast of Holden, US 50 merges with I-15 as it continues northeastward and eventually heading through a low mountain pass just after another ranch exit. The US 50 overlap then ends as I-15 passes through the northwestern corner of Scipio . Off the Scipio interchange, is an official rest stop courtesy of UDOT and Flying J . (US 50 eastbound serves as
23352-513: The southeast quadrant where it runs today. While quelling criticism from some, others remained in opposition, saying the route was still too intrusive along residential areas. The western quadrant was also admonished for being placed to close to other major arterials. In November 1963, a small, two-lane portion of the northwest quadrant of the belt route opened from Redwood Road ( SR-68 ) in Davis County west and south to 2100 North, north of
23520-506: The southern part of Nephi and an interchange with South Main Street ( SR-28 ). The freeway then turns north to pass through the eastern side of Nephi, with an interchange with 100 North ( SR-132 ). It then curves to the north-northwest before reaching the interchange with the northern end of SR-28 about a mile (1.6 km) north of town. The Interstate then turns north and passes by the eastern side of Mona and has an interchange with SR-52 (300 North). Continuing north, it passes by
23688-462: The southern portion southwest through Fort Union and Midvale to 7200 South, or extending the eastern portion further south to Sandy and then west along 9000 South. Cottonwood Inc. filed a lawsuit challenging the EIS. Meanwhile, I-215 from SR-201 in the western quadrant to 280 East in Murray opened in November 1976. After 1976, gaps in the belt route were present from 2100 North near
23856-438: The southwest quadrant from SR-201 to 4700 South in Taylorsville was completed. The $ 105 million project replaced the concrete road surface, added auxiliary lanes between exits, resurfaced and widened several bridge decks, and replaced two major bridges over SR-201. As part of the original proposal of a belt route through Salt Lake City, the southeastern quadrant received the designation of I-415. To maintain continuity in
24024-472: The southwest, which has somewhat more than 180,000 residents. Most of the western half of Utah lies in the Great Basin . Utah has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous groups , such as the ancient Puebloans , the Navajo, and the Ute. The first Europeans to arrive - in the mid-16th century - were the Spanish. Because of the region's challenging geography and harsh climate, it only became
24192-433: The spine of Utah. Just north of Dixie and east of Cedar City is the state's highest ski resort, Brian Head . Like most of the western and southwestern states, the federal government owns much of the land in Utah. Over 70 percent of the land is either BLM land , Utah State Trustland, or U.S. National Forest , U.S. National Park , U.S. National Monument , National Recreation Area or U.S. Wilderness Area . Utah
24360-488: The state constitution. This was a condition required of other western states that were admitted into the Union later. Statehood was officially granted on January 4, 1896. Beginning in the early 20th century, with the establishment of such national parks as Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park , Utah became known for its natural beauty. Southern Utah became a popular filming spot for arid, rugged scenes featured in
24528-572: The state lies in the rain shadow of the Wasatch Mountains . The primary source of precipitation for the state is the Pacific Ocean, with the state usually lying in the path of large Pacific storms from October to May. In summer, the state, especially southern and eastern Utah, lies in the path of monsoon moisture from the Gulf of California . Most of the lowland areas receive less than 12 inches (305 mm) of precipitation annually, although
24696-464: The state's mountains, Utah's skiing has become world-renowned. The dry, powdery snow of the Wasatch Range is considered some of the best skiing in the world (the state license plate once claimed "the Greatest Snow on Earth"). Salt Lake City won the bid for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games , and this served as a great boost to the economy. The ski resorts have increased in popularity, and many of
24864-478: The state, I-15 winds its way along the western edge of a nearly continuous range of mountains (including the Wasatch Range in the northern half of the state). The only exceptions are when it passes through the mountains south of Cedar City and, again, north of Cove Fort. From Las Vegas , Nevada , I-15 winds and slightly inclines through the Virgin River Gorge in northwest Arizona , then it crosses
25032-746: The territorial legislature passed the Act in Relation to Service and the Act for the relief of Indian Slaves and Prisoners formally legalizing slavery in the territory. Slavery was abolished in the territory during the Civil War. In 1850, Salt Lake City sent out a force known as the Nauvoo Legion and engaged the Timpanogos in the Battle at Fort Utah . Disputes between the Mormon inhabitants and
25200-491: The territory that he and the Mormon pioneers were settling, calling it Deseret—which according to the Book of Mormon was an ancient word for "honeybee". This is symbolized by the beehive on the Utah flag, and the state's motto, "Industry". The Utah Territory was much smaller than the proposed state of Deseret, but it still contained all of the present states of Nevada and Utah as well as pieces of modern Wyoming and Colorado . It
25368-519: The territory's history. Chief Antonga Black Hawk died in 1870, but fights continued to break out until additional federal troops were sent in to suppress the Ghost Dance of 1872. The war is unique among Indian Wars because it was a three-way conflict, with mounted Timpanogos Utes led by Antonga Black Hawk fighting federal and LDS authorities. On May 10, 1869, the First transcontinental railroad
25536-403: The territory. A steady stream of governors appointed by the president quit the position, often citing the traditions of their supposed territorial government. By agreement with Young, Johnston established Camp Floyd , 40 miles (60 km) away from Salt Lake City to the southwest. Salt Lake City was the last link of the First Transcontinental Telegraph , completed in October 1861. Brigham Young
25704-408: The tribe is part of the coalition that manages Bears Ears National Monument . Southeastern Utah is also punctuated by the remote, but lofty La Sal , Abajo , and Henry mountain ranges. Eastern (northern quarter) Utah is a high-elevation area covered mostly by plateaus and basins, particularly the Tavaputs Plateau and San Rafael Swell , which remain mostly inaccessible, and the Uinta Basin , where
25872-399: The unconstructed sections was estimated. After the entire length of the freeway was completed, there was a discrepancy of an extra three miles (4.8 km) along all sections north of Nephi. UDOT had been aware of the problem for many years but delayed corrective action for the issue.) The following year, in 2005, UDOT renumbered the exits to correspond to the corrected mile markers. The result
26040-424: The west end of town. After American Fork, the freeway enters Lehi with its first interchange at East Main Street ( SR-73 ). At this point, the Interstate narrows to three lanes (plus an express lane) in each direction. The next interchange in Lehi is with 2100 North / 1200 West ( US 89 / SR-85 ). This also begins the first of two I-15 / US 89 overlaps. The final interchange in Lehi
26208-414: The west side of Provo, with an interchange with Center Street ( SR-114 ) before leaving Provo and entering Orem . After an interchange with West University Parkway ( SR-265 ), immediately southwest of Utah Valley University , the freeway heads north along the western side of Orem. After interchanges with Center Street, and then 800 North ( SR-52 ), the Interstate curves northwest and immediately reaches
26376-484: The western side of Fillmore . SR-99 follows the length of the I-15 Business Loop through Fillmore, connecting at 850 South on the southwestern part of town and North Main Street / Cedar Mountain Road on the northern city limits. Off the North Main Street interchange, there is an official rest stop courtesy of UDOT and the local Chevron Station. Continuing north-northwest, it has an interchange with 5400 North / Maple Hollow Road ( SR-64 ) before passing by
26544-406: The winter of 1847. The first group of settlers brought three African slaves with them, making Utah the only place in the western United States to have African slavery. The three slaves, Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby, came west with the first group of settlers in 1847. Utah was a Mexican territory when the first pioneers arrived in 1847. Early in the Mexican–American War in late 1846,
26712-449: Was also deleted once I-15 was reasonably intact. However, a different route in Utah was redesignated US 191 in 1982. Also, by the time it completed the section, UDOT recalibrated the mileposts and renumbered the exits, reducing the overall distance by approximately three miles (4.8 km). In 1975, UDOT would construct a wildlife crossing located near the town of Beaver. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources considers this to be
26880-407: Was among the first to send a message, along with Abraham Lincoln and other officials. Because of the American Civil War , federal troops were pulled out of Utah Territory in 1861. This was a boon to the local economy as the army sold everything in camp for pennies on the dollar before marching back east to join the war. The territory was then left in LDS hands until Patrick E. Connor arrived with
27048-540: Was completed at Promontory Summit , north of the Great Salt Lake. The railroad brought increasing numbers of people into the territory and several influential businesspeople made fortunes there. During the 1870s and 1880s laws were passed to punish polygamists due, in part, to stories from Utah. Notably, Ann Eliza Young —tenth wife to divorce Brigham Young, women's advocate, national lecturer, and author of Wife No. 19 or My Life of Bondage —and Fanny Stenhouse, author of Tell It All: My Life in Mormonism , testified to
27216-422: Was completed. At the time, this portion of road was the most expensive in the state in terms of cost per mile, due to the road being depressed below surrounding neighborhoods. The next section to open was from 2100 North south to I-80 in 1987. This was followed by a section between Union Park Avenue and 2000 East, opened in November 1987, which was also built as a sunken freeway. The western quadrant of
27384-430: Was created with the Compromise of 1850 , and Fillmore , named after President Millard Fillmore , was designated the capital. The territory was given the name Utah after the Ute tribe of Native Americans. Salt Lake City replaced Fillmore as the territorial capital in 1856. By 1850, there were around 100 black people in the territory, the majority of whom were slaves. In Salt Lake County, 26 slaves were counted. In 1852,
27552-428: Was designated by the Utah Legislature in 1998 as the Veterans Memorial Highway . In 2004, UDOT finally renumbered the mile markers along I-15 north of Nephi . (When I-15 was originally built, there were several large gaps along the route, including south of Nephi. In addition, the original plans for I-15 were to run along the west side of Nephi, instead of the final alignment along the city's east side. Mileage along
27720-414: Was exit numbers north of Nephi were reduced by three. In January 2009, the speed limit on two sections of I-15 together totaling 34 miles (55 km) was raised to 80 mph (130 km/h) as a "test", making Utah the second state to currently have speed limits greater than 75 mph (121 km/h). In September 2013, with a few brief exceptions, the speed limit north of Leeds (other than
27888-446: Was expanded to three lanes from I-15 to Bingham Blvd in both directions and the Union Pacific Rail Road Bridge (USRR) over 7200 South was reconstructed. The I-15 portion of this project started in the spring of 2018. A new general purpose lane from 7800 South to 12300 South was completed in December 2018 and the new general purpose lane from SR-201 to 7200 South was completed in 2020. The Utah Department of Transportation
28056-441: Was first proposed in 1955, with the Utah Highway Department (the predecessor to the present-day Utah Department of Transportation ) holding hearings concerning construction beginning in early 1958. The southeast quadrant of the route was originally placed from a junction at proposed I-15 in Murray northeasterly through Murray and Holladay, eventually reaching the east bench at 3900 South. From there, it would have run north toward
28224-474: Was the last section of I-15 in Utah County to be reconstructed in recent years. The actual construction elements included was based on the results of the ongoing engineering, traffic, and cost analysis. Those elements include I-15 reconstructed and widened with two new lanes in each direction from Lehi Main Street to SR-92, a one-way frontage road system from 2100 North to SR-92, interchange reconstruction at SR-92 and 2100 North, 13 bridge replacements,
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