Construction will soon begin on a new Flex Lanes system for Pioneer Crossing (State Route 145) between Interstate 15 and Redwood Road, according to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). The project is set to start September 8.
The initiative aims to improve efficiency for thousands of drivers in Utah County who use one of the region’s busiest east-west roads. UDOT projects that during rush hour, commuters could save more than six minutes per trip, with overall time savings estimated at over 900 hours of reduced congestion daily.
Without upgrades, UDOT estimates that by 2037 peak travel times would rise significantly: evening westbound trips could increase from 19 minutes to 32 minutes, while morning eastbound trips might grow from 14 minutes to 20 minutes. Currently, Pioneer Crossing was designed for about 35,000 vehicles a day but now sees an average of 55,000 vehicles. After converting Pioneer Crossing into Flex Lanes, the corridor is expected to handle up to a 50% increase in traffic volume.
The Flex Lanes system will allow UDOT to adjust lane direction based on real-time demand. During morning commutes, up to four lanes will be available eastbound; in the evening, four lanes will be open westbound. Outside these periods, three lanes plus a shared center turn lane will operate in each direction.
“Flex Lanes are a smart way to get more out of the road we already have,” said UDOT Project Director Andrew Jordan. “Traffic is heavier on eastbound Pioneer Crossing in the morning and westbound in the evening, so being able to adjust the number of lanes available in one direction to match the real-time demand will make a big difference. That means less congestion and more reliable commutes for drivers in Utah County.”
According to engineers’ estimates, these improvements should meet travel needs along Pioneer Crossing through approximately 2037 and also benefit connecting side streets by reducing delays by about half.
During initial construction phases, drivers should expect evening lane closures as well as lane shifts and shoulder closures while crews work on shoulders and medians. All lanes are expected to remain open during daytime hours. Construction is scheduled for completion by late 2026.
