Interstate 215 - AARoads

With Grandeur Peak overlooking from the east, the western prong of Interstate 215 travels alongside Parleys Creek between I-80 at Sugar House, Utah and Canyon Rim in east Salt Lake Valley. 08/05/13

The Interstate 215/Belt Route provides a bypass and commuter route for the city of Salt Lake City. The 28 mile long freeway allows Interstate 15 through traffic bound for Ogden or Provo or motorists headed to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to bypass the city center by use of the western two thirds of the beltway. The southeastern leg of the highway serves residential areas of Cottonwood Heights and Holladay as it joins Interstate 15 with I-80 at Parleys Canyon.

Interstate 215 Utah Guides

Two sections of Interstate 215 remained under construction in 1986. The western portion by SLC Airport opened on October 7, 1988.

These Interstate 215 route markers are posted on northbound SR 171 (3500 South) in West Valley City. Photo by Garrett Smith (08/28/11).

Historically, the Salt Lake City Belt Route was numbered as Interstate 215 west of I-15 and Interstate 415 east of I-15. The I-415 portion was renumbered as an extension of I-215 by 1969. Completed portions of the beltway in the 1960s served local traffic both at Murray to the south and toward Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to the north. The 20 mile long route was slated for completion by 1972, but community opposition and subsequent litigation delayed construction on the southeast quadrant until 1979. Completion of the beltway did not occur until 1989. A more in depth history of Belt Route is available at Interstate-Guide: Interstate 215 Utah.

The north to south section, between 6500 South and Utah State Route 266, was the last to open for Interstate 215 in late 1989.

scenes

A trailblazer for Interstate 215 directs traffic north onto Union Park Avenue from Fort Union Boulevard east in the city of Midvale. 07/11/15

Union Park Avenue heads north along a commercial strip between Midvale and Cottonwood Heights to Interstate 215 beyond Fort Union Boulevard. 08/10/16, 07/11/15

A flyover ramp directly connects Union Park Avenue north with Interstate 215 west toward Taylorsville and West Valley City. 07/11/15

A right turn follows the flyover from Union Park Avenue north for the Interstate 215 eastbound entrance ramp to Cottonwood Heights and Holladay. 07/11/15

A loop ramp connects 3900 South with Interstate 215 north at Millcreek. 07/16/17

Photo Credits:

07/11/15, 08/10/16, 07/16/17 by AARoads

Connect with:
Interstate 15
Interstate 80
U.S. 89
State Route 68
State Route 171
State Route 201

Page Updated 02-07-2022.