Bluffdale residents and others who drive that way may have noticed construction vehicles moving dirt around near the 14600 South Interchange. Preliminary construction work for the I-15 Point Project has begun. Official work on the project is slated to begin in March.

“Right now, we’re doing prep work to make sure the kick-off goes smoothly. Utilities are being relocated, a little grading is being done,” Utah Department of Transportation Representative John Gleason said.

The goal of the project is to improve mobility and reduce congestion between Northern Utah County and Draper, specifically SR 92 to 12300 South. The $252 million project includes expanding I-15 to six lanes in each direction, replacing the aging concrete pavement and enhancing existing traffic management systems by adding ramp meters and fiber optics.

The biggest impact the project will have on Bluffdale is the changes being made to the 14600 South Interchange. Both bridges will be completely replaced and the east frontage road intersection will be realigned, with an eye toward future modifications.

“This will be done with as little impact to motorists as possible,” Gleason said.

The 14600 South Interchange will become a Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI). Pronounce “spooey,” this means that all traffic coming off or on the interchange can be controlled by a single set of traffic signals. This design is considered to be more efficient than a surface intersection. Similar SPUIs in Salt Lake County include 12300 South and 9000 South.