Aug. 14, 2000
Construction is already causing some major backups
along the interstates.
Starting this week, there could be more delays for months to come.
That's because:
I-215 Closure
- Wednesday night - I-215 off-ramp to State Street shuts down for three months.
But, a bit of good news:
I-215 Openings
- Tuesday - South interchange goes back to two lanes.
It was one lane for the past month.
- Tuesday - I-215 to I-15 Northbound Opens
News Specialist Scott Light reports this latest closure is a big one for eastbound I-215 traffic and area businesses.
The State Street closure means access to places like Fashion Place Mall will be restricted.
Businesses are hoping the closure won't scare away customers.
Will Otuafi is assistant manager at Mister Wash, right beside the State Street off-ramp.
His salary is tied to how many cars come through every month for a wash and shine.
He's worried the ramp closure will hurt business and his paycheck.
Will Otuafi/Ass't Mgr./Mister Wash: "SAY, EVEN IF WE LOSE FIVE PERCENT OF CUSTOMERS WHO COME IN, THAT'S A MAJOR DROP AS FAR AS US MANAGERS. IT BRINGS DOWN OUR BONUSES AND STUFF."
The ramp closure is Wednesday night, for three months.
Construction crews will re-align the ramp and hopefully have part of it back open by Thanksgiving.
The full ramp is being closed for several reasons.
Kay Lin Hermansen/Wasatch Constructors: "IT'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT IF WE WERE TRYING TO KEEP ONE LANE OPEN. YOU WOULD SEE A LOT OF BACK-UP. IT WOULDN'T BE AS SAFE. AND THAT'S ONE REASON WE ARE CLOSING IT, BECAUSE IT'LL GIVE US A MUCH SAFER, QUICKER DEVELOPMENT OF THAT RECONSTRUCTED LANE."
So, for businesses in the State Street area, Will Otuafi says they'd better pay attention to customers who take an extra minute or make that extra turn to get around the State Street closure.
Will Otuafi/Mister Wash: "WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE CHANGES AS FAR AS SATISFIYING CUSTOMERS. IT'S NOT THAT WE DON'T DO THAT ALREADY, BUT WE HAVE TO TAKE A FEW EXTRA STEPS."
