SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Department of Transportation has announced their top ten major construction projects for 2018.
”You’re going to see orange barrels, you’re going to see a lot of different work,” said UDOT Project Manager Brett Slater.
UDOT said that this year, they have 188 projects planned.
“The majority of those projects really focus on routine maintenance. Just like your car, if you put in the money, you save money over time,” said UDOT Deputy Director, Shane Marshall.
Ten major projects will take place, costing a total of $1.46-billion.
“The taxpayers made a significant investment in our system throughout the state and we want to make sure we keep that system in good repair,” said Marshall.
These Major projects cast a wide net, affecting Davis County, Salt Lake County, Tooele County, Utah County and Washington County.
”Utah is continuing to grow and we’re really working hard to make our transportation system grow with it,” Marshall said.
Thanks to a recent rise in gas taxes, UDOT said this year it’s not just the most trafficked areas that will be getting attention.
”That additional gas tax is really helping the rural communities. Most of that money went to our low volume roads where we just weren’t able to get to in the past,” Marshall said.
No matter where you roam, UDOT reminds drivers to go slow in the cone zone.
”With 188 projects you’re going to see a lot of barrels out there and the barrels mean there are people out there so please slow down,” Marshall said.
“We want to make sure that anyone who is out there working on our roads, goes home to their family,” he added.
Below is a list of UDOT's Top ten Major Construction Projects of 2018:
1. I-15 Technology Corridor
UDOT’s largest project will take place on the I-15 Technology Corridor between Timpanogos Highway and Main Street in Lehi.
Crews will widen I-15 from four lanes to six lanes in each direction; UDOT says this is the last remaining section of I-15 between Salt Lake City and Spanish Fork where the highway is only four lanes wide.
Other improvements include replacing 13 bridges, adding a new overpass which will extend Triumph Boulevard over I-15, and reconstructing the S.R. 92 and 2100 North Interchanges.
Construction will start within the next month and should last three construction seasons (finishing in late 2020).
The project costs $450-million.
2. I-15 Southbound – Salt Lake County
UDOT’s second largest project is along Southbound I-15 from 2100 South to 12300 South.
Crews will focus on adding a new lane from 2100 South to 12300 South.
They will also widen 7200 South to three lanes from I-15 to Bingham Junction Boulevard in Midvale. The last phase will include redesigning ramps at the I-15 and I-215 interchange to improve traffic flow.
Construction begins this Spring and expects completion in late 2019.
This project costs $180-million.
3. I-215/Redwood Road Diverging Diamond Interchange – North Salt Lake
Number three takes us to I-215 and Redwood Road where crews will construct a Diverging Diamond Interchange.
This project also aims to reconstruct I-215 from the I-15 interchange in North Salt Lake to 2100 North.
Construction began in February and should be finished by the end of the year.
This project costs $40-million.
4. I-80/S.R. 36 Bridge Replacements – Tooele County
Next up we’re looking at bridge replacements in Tooele County. UDOT will replace three bridges along I-80 near the S.R. 36 interchange, this will take place on both Eastbound and Westbound I-80 over the Union Pacific railroad tracks and a final replacement, the S.R. 36 ramp bridge.
You can expect to see some work starting in late spring, finishing up next summer.
This project costs $30-million.
5. Bluff Street – St.George
In St.George, major construction will take place on Bluff Street. UDOT will add a lane in each direction, as well as turn lanes at several intersections between 100 south and sunset boulevard.
This project began in January of 2018 and will last for about 12-months.
This project costs $51-million.
6. I-80 – Parleys Canyon
In Parleys Canyon a new Westbound lane will be added on I-80 for truck use between Jeremy Ranch and Parleys Summit.
Other work includes a new wildlife crossing (also to be constructed at the summit), as well as interstate repaving between Lambs Canyon and Kimball Junction.
Construction began Monday, things will wrap up by end of the year.
This project costs $30-million.
7. Mountain View Corridor – Utah County
Project seven takes us to the Mountain View Corridor in Utah County. This spring the corridor will be extended to the Redwood Road/2100 north intersection to S.R. 73.
Expect this project to last into next year.
This project costs $41-million.
8. Bangerter Highway (four interchanges)
A more than $200-million project on Bangerter Highway is taking the number 8 spot on the list. Four interchanges are being added at 5400 South, 7000 South, 9000 South, and 11400 South.
This project began last year and will finish by the end of this year.
This project costs $201-million.
9. S.R. 9 – Springdale
The gateway to Zion National Park is getting a makeover through the town of Springdale. Crews will reconstruct S.R. 9 to make it more visitor friendly with pedestrian and bike improvements.
Other improvements include replacing old asphalt with new.
This is a quick stop and should be done by their peak visitor season later this month.
This project costs $19-million.
10. S.R. 108 – Syracuse
Finally, in Syracuse, UDOT is entering into the second year of work to widen and reconstruct S.R. 108 from Antelope Drive to 300 North in Davis County.
The good news here, this one will be done this fall.
This project costs $52-million.
