|
October 21, 2002
News Specialist Jed Boal reporting
Consider this news a mixed bag for motorists who regularly
drive on the west side of I-215. UDOT started
work today to permanently widen the interstate, which
should improve traffic flow.
But that also means a year of construction, and delays.
This project
should come as a relief to people who drive this stretch of
I-215 from 300 East to Redwood Road.
The surface is worn and potholed and the lanes are narrow.
It's time for a major upgrade.
A three-and-a-half mile section of I-215 from Redwood Road
to 300 East will get a major overhaul.
UDOT restriped this portion of I-215 before I-15 construction
started.
That added a fourth lane to handle some of the diverted traffic
from I-15, but it also created narrower lanes.
The extra lane helped during the Olympics, and a UDOT study
confirmed it was needed.
"We've figured out there is currently enough traffic
volume and enough need that we're going to go ahead and make
it a permanent four-lane facility," said Tom Hudachko
with UDOT.
Motorists told the Department of Transportation they wanted
the extra lane, but many felt nervous driving in the narrow
lanes. They wanted wider lanes and bigger shoulders.
"That's going to be one of the objectives, to go in (and)
widen the entire road and as a result, you'll get a wider
shoulder, wider medians, wider traveling lanes as well,"
Hudachko said.
Throughout the project, three lanes will remain open in both
directions. Traffic will certainly slow during peak hours.
But, UDOT expects minimal disruptions otherwise.
For as much benefit as the motorists are going to get out
of this project, it makes a lot of sense. It's going to be
a good thing for motorists in the longrun.
The $16 million project is paid for with federal funds. Crews
started with traffic control today. They'll widen to the inside
first and then widen to the outside.
Workers will actually grind the concrete surface and pack
it as a road base that will be covered with asphalt. Sound
walls will also be constructed on large sections all the way
to 2100 South.
UDOT suggests
that motorists who drive this stretch of road frequently explore
other routes.
|
