University of Utah construction updates: What to know before visiting campus​on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm

In Utah, there are three certainties: death, taxes and summer road construction.

​At the University of Utah this summer, there are several major projects underway affecting traffic and creating delays. Here’s how to navigate it.  

In Utah, there are three certainties: death, taxes and summer road construction.

That’s particularly true this summer at the University of Utah, which has several major projects in the works. And it’s creating some traffic headaches around the hospital on upper campus.

The biggest project is the repaving and redevelopment of roughly a block of 100 South, between University Street and where the road curves at the Kennecott Engineering Building and becomes North Campus Drive. It’s at the northwest end of campus, situated between a row of science buildings and the fraternities and sororities associated with the U.

The road there, which is managed by Salt Lake City, has long been in disrepair with cracks and potholes. City crews started in early May to replace the aging asphalt; they’re expected to be done before most students return for classes that start on Aug. 17.

“For those who remain on campus during those months, they’ll be contending with some major commuting challenges as road construction gets underway,” the U. said in a post about the project.

The timing was meant to align when most people are off campus for the summer. But it’s still a disruption for those trying to go to and from the University of Utah Hospital. Patients have been told to plan on delays getting to the hospital and detours leaving.

Two uphill lanes to the hospital remain open, with priority for emergency access. But there is no downhill traffic — or westbound — for those leaving the hospital.

Visitors will be redirected to Mario Capecchi Drive or Wasatch Drive instead. Utah Transit Authority bus and U. campus shuttle routes will also be adjusted.

All side streets north of the 100 South project will also be closed. People visiting other parts of campus are advised to avoid the area when possible.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall acknowledged the gridlock, but said the updates to 100 South will improve accessibility moving forward.

“It’s important that we ensure safe, reliable access to our world-class medical institutions on the University of Utah campus — University Hospital, Primary Children’s Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute,” she said in a statement.

The project will include expanding the sidewalks. Street parking will no longer be allowed on that stretch after it’s completed.

And that’s not the only project at the flagship school this summer. A map showing construction on campus is covered in red blocks indicating all the ongoing projects.

A part of lot 66 — which sits above the hospital to the east and south — is also being repaved, also through August. That’s a key access point for research and Fort Douglas employees, the U. acknowledged in a new release. They say workers should expect longer wait times to access the area and find parking.

The U. is also working on demolishing the old medical school and constructing a new one next to the hospital. That’s not affecting traffic, a University of Utah Health spokesperson said. But it is adding to the swirl of projects.

The old facility should be completely demolished by March 2026, with the new one built out by June 2026, according to the school’s construction website; that’s slightly delayed from original 2025 projection when the $185-million project was first announced roughly four years ago.

To the west of that, near the Moran Eye Center, the U. is also constructing a new facility to be called the Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation, slated to open next year, as well.

“We’re encouraged to see steady progress on these transformative construction projects at the University of Utah,” said spokesperson Kylene Metzger. “These projects are more than just new structures. As we look to the future, they will redefine how we deliver health care, train the next generation of medical professionals and innovate health care solutions through cutting-edge research and discovery.”

Last, UTA is also reconstructing part of the “red” TRAX line that runs through the U.’s campus, just to the west of Rices-Eccles Stadium on 500 South. That will continue through July.

Several other buildings on campus are also getting roof repairs and seismic upgrades. And the U. is also working on new student housing complexes and a new engineering building.

With “these projects taking place at the same time, you can expect heavier traffic and longer delays this summer,” the U. said in a video about the construction.