Dozens of Utah bridges need repairs, prepare for summer closures

SALT LAKE CITY — The past two winters in Utah have been winters for the books but the downside, the need for bridge repairs, is now rearing its head. Bridges have taken a beating and Utah transportation officials say they must be fixed.

In Salt Lake County alone 62 bridges need attention. In most cases, it’s damage to the top layer of asphalt causing problems. Utah drivers should be prepared for construction projects, namely closed bridges, that will begin immediately.

“The climate is such with concrete that as it expands and contracts, sometimes we get popouts of concrete,” said UDOT Region Two Director Robert Stewart. “And so, these projects will go in, replace that concrete, and then put a protective layer over the bridge deck.”

This word begins immediately and will last throughout the summer.

According to UDOT, patching potholes and then laying new surfaces helps keep water and chlorides from seeping into the concrete. This slows the deterioration that leads to bridge damage.

Stewart said they usually try to do this kind of work at night when it will have the least impact.

Still, the number of projects and how much damage needs fixing will mean impacts for drivers. 

The bridge repairs and associated closures include:

• Airport bridges projects: 19 bridges across Salt Lake County, including bridges over I-80, Bangerter Highway, Redwood Road, SR-201 and SR 202.
• 3200 West bridge deck replacement: crews will demolish two bridge decks on SR-201 a 3200 West.
• I-15 bridge work: UDOT will repair bridge decks and fix potholes on 32 ridges on I-15, from 400 North to 11400 South.
• Bangerter bridge repairs: Beginning May 13, crews will repair bridges between California Avenue and the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Stewart suggests using the UDOT app to stay up-to-date on bridge closures. 

Related reading: UDOT announces major construction projects for 2024

 

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