Transportation has long been important to the area of South Salt Lake. The original Pony Express route ran through the area along current State Street from 1860 to 1861. Both the Union Pacific and Denver and Rio Grande Western railroads chose routes through present South Salt Lake. These developments encouraged the growth of businesses and residential neighborhoods in the area. In recent history, the construction of the Interstate highway system brought the junction of I-15 and I-80 to South Salt Lake. The city continues to be an excellent location for many businesses and light industries on account of its central location and access to transportation routes.

As the local population increased, the need for public improvements became more important and encouraged a drive for incorporation. On 28 September 1938 area voters approved incorporation by a narrow margin, and the city founders moved to initiate construction of a sanitary sewer system and somewhat later a culinary water system.