Construction on Bangerter Highway divides businesses from customers

RIVERTON, Utah — Major construction projects along Bangerter Highway have impacted businesses in a big way economically.

On Monday the final full closure of the east-and-westbound traffic lanes was implemented along 13400 South. That means drivers are either stuck on one side of Bangerter Highway or the other and have to use detour routes to cross to the other side.

This is a big concern for Gilberto Ruiz who operates the Costa Vida restaurant on the east side of Bangerter Highway at 134000 South. He says he’s already seen about a 15% drop in sales. He believes many customers aren’t going to travel that extra time to eat at his restaurant.

“It’s a big concern. Now they’re taking 20 minutes to get here. They are either going to go to a closer option or bring food from home. That’s going to affect us directly,” he said. “I was worried because we employ almost 40 people here, so I’m concerned about their families and income.”