When Layton City protested I-15’s installation -- Twice

 I-15 resides in a gully at the south end of town.

THE late 1950s and early 1960s were a traumatic time for Layton residents because of the upcoming installation of I-15.

First, Layton City protested the Interstate Highway preferred location, since it would cut through the center of the City’s commercially zoned area.

“Such a route would damage the economic growth of the city and limit the ingress and egress to the commercial area,” a May 29, 1959 story in the Ogden Standard-Examiner stated.

Many local organizations, from the Rotary Club, to the Kiwanis to the Chamber of Commerce also protested the proposed freeway route.

Some citizens simply proposed that the new multi-lane highway would divide Layton City in two.

According to a May 19, 1959 story in the Standard-Examiner, the proposed freeway route would follow the old Bamberger right of way through North Davis County.

The other two alternatives for the freeway included where Highway 89 (“Mountain Road”) traveled, or a far western route that bypassed much of Layton.

The Bamberger route was touted for its lower cost, more level elevation and shorter distance for through traffic.

Of course, Layton lost the freeway battle and it did follow the old Bamberger railway route.

However, in addition to location, Layton City also did not want an elevated path for the road through the south end of town. In fact, City leaders had thought a depressed section of road was a concession that state leaders have given to Layton.

According to the Standard-Examiner of July 2, 1961, Layton leaders believed a raised highway would have a detrimental effect on their business district and residential areas, as well as be an aesthetic loss for the community. In addition, there would be a higher cost and longer delay to build the freeway.

Layton officials, according to the Standard-Examiner, believed an elevated freeway would cost the City more than $1 million.

In the end, the I-15 freeway was not elevated and remains in a gully today, from Gentile Street north, halfway to Hill Field Road.

After three years of work, I-15 from south Layton to Ogden opened on Nov. 23, 1966.

A side effect to the freeway cutting through Layton was that some businesses on Main Street relocated on East Gentile Street, east of I-15. Eventually a "mini-mall" of sorts developed in that area.

Layton City was divided by the Freeway and Gordon Avenue ceased to be a through road, from east to west.

And, decades later, the proximity to I-15, helped create the Layton Hills Mall, which in turn attracted and entire retail and restaurant area, just east of the Freeway.

                     Highway 89 became 4 lanes in 1964-1965.

-Highway 89, from Farmington to Uintah, was widened from two lanes to four lanes, starting in 1964, at a cost of $2.5 million.

According to the Ogden Standard-Examiner of Dec. 7, 1963, 200 area residents voiced support for this project, as long as adequate access roads and crossing structures were provided.