FARMINGTON—The temperature was in the 20s but that didn’t stop thousands from coming out last Saturday to celebrate the opening of all lanes of the new West Davis Highway. Bikers, walkers and even a donkey crossed the bridge at 950 North in Farmington before the highway officially opened to traffic below. The project was completed several months early.

“About 2,000 people have been out here to stand on the bridge,” said UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras. “I don’t think we’re going to be able to do this again. I think there’s going to be cars out here.”

A project like this changes the lives of citizens in Davis County, he said. “Over the last decade Utah has grown faster than any other state in the country. It’s just going to keep growing. You think about all of our elected officials that have worked so hard for us.”

This project goes back to the 60s. “They were talking about it,” said Braceras. “They saw the need for this project.”

Construction has gone on over the last three years, he said. “Thousands and thousands and thousands have worked so hard over the years to make this happen. This is the biggest project we’ve opened since we did the I-15 project in Utah County. This is a significant project. 

This 16 mile highway is going to change the way people drive, Braceras said. “It will cut drive time by a ⅓ and time is the most valuable thing.”

One little guy is all dressed up for the cold as he rides his scooter on the new highway. Photo by Roger V. Tuttle

The four-lane divided highway runs from I-15 near Glovers Lane in Farmington to the future extension of S.R. 193 and 4500 West in West Point. Six new interchanges have been built to connect to I-15 and local roads:

• I-15/Legacy Parkway in Farmington

• 950 North in Farmington

• 200 North in Kaysville

• 2700 West in Layton

• 2000 West in Syracuse

• Antelope Drive in Syracuse

West Davis has also added nearly 10 miles of new trails, said Braceras. “This is part of the vision we’ve talked about to build a trail system throughout the state. This fits the area so well.”

“It’s fun to see (come to pass) what was a dream at one time,” said Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson. “People are making decisions today that have an impact on our children in the future.”

“We love it,” said one resident who lives within walking distance of the highway. She said it will cut her husband’s commute to the Capitol by ⅓. “It’s so easy now to get to I-15.”

“This is a number one game changer,” said West Point Mayor Brian Vincent. “Having a connection to I-15 gives us a better opportunity for economic growth. Right now we’re too far so we’ve never had the option before.”

It’s a blessing, he said. “We’re a rural, bedroom community and we want that to remain but this will bring amenities to the citizens.”

It’s been a big project, said UDOT Region One Director, Rob Wight. “It was supposed to be finished in the middle of July but it was accelerated by closing Antelope Drive in Syracuse and several other things like that.”

The contractors worked extra shifts, he said. ‘It’s a great win to open it to the public so they’re not spending time standing in traffic. It’s a win, win in the community, area, Davis County and cities.”

It’s been a group effort, said Wight. “It’s a relief to have it open and see people driving.”