Construction, closure at 6200 South & Bangerter Highway impacting businesses

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — Business owners in Taylorsville say they’re seeing fewer customers ever since the Utah Department of Transportation shut down east-west traffic on 6200 South at Bangerter Highway.

It came down to safety as city leaders, UDOT and police said they were averaging a crash every other day in the area.

It’s been over two months now, and businesses have taken a big financial hit.

“We are the owners of Twister Sugar. It’s a franchise in Taylorsville,” said Veronica Benson.

Customers craving a cookie and soda at Twisted Sugar have to work for it, as 6200 South doesn’t go all the way across Bangerter Highway to the store.

Business owners on the east side of 6200S & Bangerter Hwy say they’re taking a financial hit after East/west access was closed back in August. pic.twitter.com/ndRYHqCTI1

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) November 5, 2021

With a rise in people speeding leading to crashes – UDOT shut down east-west access in August.

“We made the decision, city, police to shut down the east-west route,” said John Gleason, UDOT spokesperson.

Benson says she’s seen an 85% drop in traffic.

Her neighbors, all small business owners, are feeling the pinch too. First, the pandemic and now monthslong road closures.

“They don’t give you any funds. They don’t give you any money for the loss of business,” said Benson. “I felt like we’ve kind of just been thrown out and (they) just said, ‘OK, good luck!’”

Benson employs mostly teenagers who are saving up for college and she has managed to keep them on thanks to loyal customers.

“It comes back to our amazing community that has helped us remain open,” she said.

UDOT says they plan on reopening east-west access before Thanksgiving — just in time for the busy holiday shopping season. Benson and other business owners are counting down the days.