UDOT

New system will ease rush hour congestion, help drivers save time

LEHI, Utah (Sept. 4, 2025) — The Utah Department of Transportation is beginning construction on a new Flex Lanes system for Pioneer Crossing (State Route 145) between Interstate 15 and Redwood Road. 

Work is scheduled to begin on September 8. This project will help thousands of Utah County drivers move more efficiently along one of the busiest east-west roads in the region and result in significant time savings. During rush hour, commuters will gain more than six minutes of travel time back, and overall the Flex Lanes will save drivers more than 900 hours of congestion each day.

If no changes are made, by 2037, peak travel times along westbound Pioneer Crossing in the evenings would increase from 19 minutes to 32 minutes, and travel times along eastbound Pioneer Crossing in the mornings would increase from 14 minutes to 20 minutes. 

Pioneer Crossing was originally built to carry approximately 35,000 vehicles a day, but it now averages 55,000 vehicles. Once Pioneer Crossing is upgraded into Flex Lanes, it will accommodate an additional 50% increase in traffic, bringing much needed efficiency. The new Flex Lanes will give UDOT the ability to adjust traffic flow based on demand, creating more capacity during the heaviest commute times without widening the road.

“Flex Lanes are a smart way to get more out of the road we already have,” UDOT Project Director Andrew Jordan said. “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.”

Once implemented, rush hour commuters using Pioneer Crossing will have up to four lanes of travel on eastbound Pioneer Crossing in the morning, and up to four lanes of travel on westbound Pioneer Crossing in the evening. Outside of commuter times, up to three lanes in each direction (with a shared center turn lane) will be available. 

The improvements are expected to meet travel needs on Pioneer Crossing through approximately 2037, giving local travelers and commuters more breathing room on this vital Utah County route. Engineers also estimate that side streets connecting to Pioneer Crossing will benefit from the new system, with a 50% decrease in delays. 

During the beginning phase of construction, drivers can expect evening lane closures, lane shifts and shoulder closures as crews work in the shoulders and median. All lanes along Pioneer Crossing will remain open during the day to maintain traffic flow. 

Construction is expected to continue through late 2026.