I-80 and I-215 Renewed Design-Build

Salt Lake City, Utah

Interstate 80 (I-80) and Interstate 215 (I-215) are two major highways in Utah’s Salt Lake Valley. Encompassing stretches of these thoroughfares that run primarily through rapidly growing suburbs, the I-80 and I-215 Renewed Design-Build project was initiated to address significant wear on the roadway surfaces from increased vehicular usage and winter weather and improve the condition of the freeways in a way that had not been done since it was first constructed in the 1960s.

Partnering with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and contractor Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company LLC., Michael Baker served as the project’s lead designer. This $148 million project notably used design-build delivery. Design and construction proceeded in tandem, fostering the incorporation of cutting-edge design and construction solutions and ensuring a high-quality final product, all while adhering to UDOT's standards and priorities.

The extensive project revitalized the I-80 corridor from 1300 East to 2300 East and the I-215 segment between 3300 South and 4500 South. Covering 4.5 miles, the multifaceted project encompassed the design and engineering of roadways, bridges and drainage systems, as well as enhancements for cyclists and pedestrians and utility relocation. Additionally, the project included the installation of lighting, signage and the management of traffic flow.

The renovation of I-80 and I-215 included comprehensive concrete pavement replacement; the demolition and reconstruction of the 1300 East and 1700 East bridges over I-80; replacement of the I-80 bridge over 2000 East; widening of the I-80 bridge over 2300 East to accommodate the new eastbound lane; and improvements to existing bike and pedestrian crossings.

The project employed accelerated bridge construction (ABC) techniques for two of the bridges. The new bridges were constructed next to the existing structures, such that as crews demolished the existing bridges, they slid the new bridges into place. This reduced delays and traffic restrictions for drivers along the busy thoroughfare.