Utah Jiffy Lube Hit by Intensive Road Work, Reducing Accessibility for Drivers

A Jiffy Lube store in Salt Lake City has had its car count hit by intense road construction on its street, preventing customers from being able to easily access the shop, reports Utah Stories.

As part of an $87 Million General Obligation Bond that was approved by voters in 2018, road construction began in the city’s Sugar House neighborhood last month, on the westbound lane of 21st South above 1100 East.

Since roadwork began, those attempting to drive to any business on 21st South’s north side have been met with challenges. For a business that specializes in drive-thru service, it’s sometimes impossible for customers to get there.

This is the predicament facing Andrew Neff, president of Utah Lubricants LLC and owner of seven Jiffy Lubes in Salt Lake City–one of which has been operating on the corner of 12th East and 2100 South since 1999.

“We’ve had times where we’ve been almost all the way blocked off … and they haven’t put the sign up that they were supposed to that says here’s your access to Jiffy Lube,” told Neff.

As a result, customer visits have dropped by 15.5%, according to Neff, which could translate to $300,000 to $500,000 in lost revenue this year for the business.

With the roadwork not expected to finish until fall 2025, Neff along with other Sugar House business owners are becoming increasingly concerned–not only with how their businesses are being impacted now, but how the final result will affect drivers’ ability to reach their stores.

Bob Campbell, owner of All About Coins, has organized the Sugar House Business Alliance to oppose the road’s final design, and shared plans to file an injunction against the city. 

Neff has received some feedback to concerns he’s raised, but not enough. The shop requested a Left Turn option in the final design, so drivers can easily access their store, which was granted–however, customers would still be required to perform a U-turn to reach the store.