Driving Cost from Bluffdale, Utah to Lehi, Utah

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Bluffdale, Utah and Lehi, Utah: A Comparison of Routes

Are you planning a trip between Bluffdale and Lehi and wondering which route to take? Consider the cost of transportation, which can vary depending on the distance, traffic, and fuel prices. In this article, we will explore the different routes between these two cities, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best option based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

There are three main routes you can take between Bluffdale and Lehi, each with its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and situation.

Route 1: I-15 N

The first and most direct route is to take I-15 N, which is the fastest option in normal traffic conditions. This route starts on W 14200 S and takes you through Riverton, Draper, Sandy, and into Lehi. The distance between Bluffdale and Lehi via I-15 N is approximately 13 miles, and you can expect to spend around 20 minutes driving.

Route 2: State St

The second option is to take State St, which provides a more scenic route but can be slower due to the traffic lights and lower speed limits. This route starts on W 14400 S and passes through South Jordan, Riverton, and Draper before intersecting with I-15. From there, you can merge onto I-15 N or continue on State St all the way to Lehi. The distance of this route is approximately 15 miles, and you can expect to spend around 30 minutes driving.

Route 3: Mountain View Corridor

The third and most recent option is to take Mountain View Corridor, which is a newer freeway that runs parallel to Bangerter Highway and connects to I-15 and other major roads in the Salt Lake Valley. This route starts on Redwood Rd and heads west through South Jordan, Daybreak, and West Jordan before reaching Lehi via Traverse Ridge Rd. The distance of this route is approximately 16 miles, and you can expect to spend around 25 minutes driving.

Cost Comparison

To compare the cost of each route, we need to consider two main factors: fuel consumption and tolls.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption depends on many factors, such as the type and age of your vehicle, driving habits, traffic conditions, and weather. However, we can estimate the average fuel consumption based on the distance and the EPA fuel economy rating for each route. The EPA fuel economy rating is a measure of how many miles per gallon (mpg) a vehicle can achieve under specific conditions, such as highway driving.

  • I-15 N: The average fuel economy of a vehicle on I-15 N is 25 mpg. Thus, to drive 13 miles, you would need 0.52 gallons of fuel, which costs around $2.31 at the current gas price of $4.45 per gallon in Utah.
  • State St: The average fuel economy of a vehicle on State St is 22 mpg. Thus, to drive 15 miles, you would need 0.68 gallons of fuel, which costs around $3.03 at the current gas price.
  • Mountain View Corridor: The average fuel economy of a vehicle on Mountain View Corridor is 27 mpg. Thus, to drive 16 miles, you would need 0.59 gallons of fuel, which costs around $2.63 at the current gas price.

Tolls

Tolls are fees that you may have to pay for using certain roads or bridges that are funded by toll revenues. Currently, only one of the routes between Bluffdale and Lehi has tolls, which is the Mountain View Corridor. The toll amount depends on the time of day, the type of vehicle, and the method of payment.

If you have an Express Pass or a HOV pass, you can use the Mountain View Corridor toll road for free during the peak hours of 6:30-8:30 am and 4-6 pm on weekdays. However, if you don't have a pass or use the road outside these hours, you would have to pay a variable toll amount based on the distance traveled, which can range from $0.22 to $1.60 per mile. For example, if you drive the entire length of Mountain View Corridor from Redwood Rd to Traverse Ridge Rd, you would pay around $2.50 in tolls during off-peak hours.

Best Route Recommendation

Based on the cost and distance comparison, we recommend taking I-15 N as the best route between Bluffdale and Lehi. Not only is it the shortest and fastest route, but it also has the lowest fuel and toll costs compared to the other options. State St may be a good alternative if you want to avoid the highway and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains, but it will cost you more in fuel consumption and time. Mountain View Corridor may be attractive if you have an Express Pass or travel during off-peak hours, but it may not be worth the tolls and extra distance if you don't have the pass or travel during peak hours.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a trip between Bluffdale and Lehi depends on the route you choose and the current gas prices and tolls. The best route recommendation is to take I-15 N, which is the shortest and fastest option with the lowest fuel and toll costs. However, you may choose an alternative route depending on your preferences and circumstances. Safe travels!