One of those factors is the Mountain View Corridor Project, another UDOT undertaking that will create a north-south thoroughfare reaching from I-80 on the west side of Salt Lake City to as far south as the shores of Utah Lake in Utah County.

Jolley said the development of the Mountain View Corridor will be a major factor in how the I-15 project moves forward.

"We have assumed that Mountain View would do the arterials alternative, which would bring the corridor back to I-15," Jolley said. "Arterials would have the greatest impact on I-15. That's not necessarily a good thing or a bad thing."

The arterials would be a number of new east-west roads in Bluffdale, Lehi and Saratoga Springs that would connect the west-side freeway to I-15.

Any changes to that plan, Jolley said, would result in adjustments to the I-15 plan.

Jolley said the I-15 project has been both challenging and fun but has been made more realistic by good cooperation from UTA.

"It's important to note, I think, that UDOT and UTA are in partnership in this project," he said.

Choosing the best option will not be the last big challenge, however — there is still no funding for any project. Cost projects for any of the options have not been completed.

UTA officials say any project would require local assistance for funding, which could be difficult to secure in Utah County, as residents have not responded enthusiastically to the idea of tax hikes to support transportation projects.

John Inglish, UTA general manager, has said UTA is waiting for Utah County to establish its priorities. Utah County leaders have thus far have hesitated to increase local taxes that would be directed to UTA transportation plans.

A possible shift in those priorities could have been manifested Wednesday when Utah County Commissioner Larry Ellertson was sworn in as a member of the UTA Board of Trustees.

Ellertson said he brings no agenda but hopes to create an open dialogue and better express the issues in Utah County to the board.

"I believe we here in Utah County truly have a desire . . . our interest is not dissimilar to those who have mass transit in Salt Lake, Davis and Weber counties," he said. "We're willing to work and we look forward to working with you."

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E-mail: jtwitchell@desnews.com