Design elements have also been added to interchanges and entrances. And surrounding cities and developers have been involved in planning for an extensive trail system and 2,225-acre nature preserve on the west side of the road.

"None of these things are dramatic," said Craig Churchward, director of context sensitive solutions for HNTB, a national engineering, planning and architectural group. "None of these things by themselves are large, splashy, artistic statements. It's just subtle and so is the landscape."

Churchward was one of several consultants called in by UDOT to assist with the redesign of Legacy.

City officials say the collaborative process has been "invigorating." And they're just glad the road will be built. UDOT officials estimate it will take 30 percent of the traffic off of adjoining I-15.

"It's invigorating to see people that may have differing opinions get together and work things out, and I think for the first time, this is a win-win situation," said North Salt Lake Mayor Kay Briggs. "I think it's been real sincere effort on everyone's part."

Which This is a sharp contrast to years past, when Legacy was the subject of contention and a four-year court fight.

Ironically, says Churchward, nothing has changed about the road's location.

"It's just done differently," he said. "It's the people of Utah who asked some fundamental questions of government and the government responded."

For more information about the Legacy Parkway, log on to: www.udot.utah.gov/legacy. Construction is expected to begin this summer and end in late 2008. When finished, Legacy will stretch 14 miles from North Salt Lake to Farmington.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com