June 8, 2000
An unusual and large project is underway next to U.S. Highway 40 near Park City, one involving heavy construction equipment, the National Guard, and the Olympics.
News Specialist John Daley explains it all.
With a monster-sized ski jump still in the works, and an enlarged and rebuilt system of ramps and roadway going in where I-80 meets Park City's main route into town, you might have missed all of this--one of the Utah's biggest construction projects.
John Daley/Eyewitness News: "YOU COULD CALL IT 'OPERATION GOLD MEDAL PARKING LOT.' IN ALL, 80 ACRES OF LAND IS BEING GROOMED TO MAKE WAY FOR 7000 PARKING SPACES."
Tens of thousands of spectators will turn out to see Olympic events at Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and the Winter Sports Park.
To get there, many will first drop their cars off at what's called the Silver Creek Park and Ride.
It's being built by Utah's National Guard, 116 reservists operating 47 construction vehicles. They even have their own machine shop.
Pete Wilson/Battalion Commander: "AS A STATE AGENCY, THE NATIONAL GUARD IS UNDER COMMAND OF THE GOVERNOR AND WE PARTICIPATE VERY MUCH IN COMMUNITY RELATED ITEMS. WITH THE FOCUS AND THE NEED. THAT THE OLYMPICS HAD ON THIS PARK AND RIDE, IT WAS THE IDEAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF OUR EQUIPMENT AND MEN."
Clyde Johnson/Chief Maintenance Officer: "HAVING BEEN UP TO PARK CITY, IT YOU HAVE SOME PLACE TO PARK VEHICLES AND HAVE SOME BUSES TO TRANSPORT SPECTATORS THAT'S A GOOD THING. IT'S GONNA BE A REAL GOOD ASSET."
The land is owned by the LDS Church, which is donating its use to Olympic organizers.
When the Games are over, the plan is to return the area to open space.
But during the Games, it'll be one of the state's largest parking lots--a key part of the transportation plan, bringing new meaning to the name Park City.
The National Guard hopes to complete its work on the Olympic Park and Ride lot by the end of next week.
