Herbert M. Fehmel drawing of the 5th and 6th South interstate interchange system. Courtesy of the Utah State Archives.

Building an Interstate is Hard 

While under construction, I-15 caused multiple problems for the west side community. Many choices were made based on economic factors alone, which stands out at a time when race was a driving factor for where to build interstates rather than class and industry. 

Salt Lake City and Utah in general faced a difficult time securing funding for the interstate system. Many exit ramps and exchanges were canceled over the years due to a lack of funding. This caused tension over right-of-way land rights in Salt Lake’s west side. This was one of the biggest problems that was faced nationwide, with funding and right-of-way issues being commonplace in the struggle to make a highway system.[1] In 1961, three members of Utah’s congressional delegation stepped in to put pressure on the Kennedy administration to provide further funds to cover the costs of construction.[2] 

Additionally, the cost of construction exceeded available funds. At least one construction worker died in the process of making the freeway a reality.[3]