I-15 Reconstruction Budget (June 29, 1998)
I-15 construction teams presented the latest budget numbers to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. And Utah taxpayers may be in for a surprise.
"WE CAN SAY VERY CONFIDENTLY THAT WE'RE ON BUDGET."
Wait, did you catch that?
DAVID DOWNS, I-15 CONSTRUCTION TEAM: "WE CAN SAY VERY CONFIDENTLY THAT WE'RE ON BUDGET."
In fact, right now, the project is a few million dollars under budget. It's exactly the opposite of what most taxpayers fear.
"IT SEEMS LIKE THEY'RE OVER BUDGET BECAUSE THERE'S SO MUCH GOING ON OUT THERE."
"IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S PRETTY OVER BUDGET."
"I THINK IT'S OVER BUDGET."
DOWNS: "THE I-15 BUDGET IS IN GREAT SHAPE."
By redesigning parts of the project, planners have shaved millions of dollars off the cost. Here's an example. They've shortened the downtown overpasses and freeway ramps. The one at 400 South used to start at the barricades. Now, the construction is starting a few blocks back.
"WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR BETTER WAYS TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT, AND AT THE SAME TIME REDUCE THE COST."
And with much of the I-15 design now complete, teams say any drastic budget changes are likely behind them.
DAVID DOWNS: "THIS IS THE TIME IN THE PROJECT WHERE THERE'RE NUMEROUS CHANGES BECAUSE WE ARE LOOKING AT DESIGNING THE PROJECT AT THE SAME TIME AS WE'RE BUILDING IT, SO WE THINK WE'VE ENDURED THE PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGE."
On time, and under budget...perhaps a consolation next time you hit a construction traffic jam.
"IF THEY CAN GET IT DONE FAST, IT'S WORTH IT IN MY OPINION."
"I CAN SEE GOING THROUGH ALL THIS HASSLE IF WE'RE GOING TO COME IN UNDER BUDGET OR EVEN AT BUDGET."
I-15 Reconstruction Survey
Facts about Reconstruction
2100 So. Interchange
I-15 Commuter Guide