UDOT to detail plan for toll lanes

The state is launching a new Web site today to prepare for the September opening of a new toll, or express lane, system on I-15 in Salt Lake and Utah counties.

The Web site, www.expresslanes.utah.gov, has maps, graphics and explanations of how the lanes will work. It also has a link where motorists can sign up to be notified about when they can buy $50 decals to use the lanes.

With express lanes — formerly called HOT lanes, or "high-occupancy toll" lanes — individual drivers can pay to use the car-pool lanes. People who drive an environmentally friendly vehicle, ride the bus, car-pool or use a motorcycle can still use the lanes for free.

"Everything we can think of that people have asked us or will ask us about express lanes is on that Web site," said Nile Easton, spokesman for the Utah Department of Transportation.

In April, the Utah Transportation Commission gave UDOT permission to put express lanes on a 38-mile stretch of I-15, from 600 North in Salt Lake City to University Parkway in Orem. The goal was to make more efficient use of the capacity on I-15, according to Easton. Capacity in the car-pool lanes is under-utilized, he said.

When first approved, residents complained in interviews that express lanes would be a ticket out of traffic for the rich. At a public meeting last week in Utah County, less than a dozen people showed up to talk about the lanes.

UDOT hopes for better attendance at an open house Thursday in Salt Lake County.

"We'll have a lot of traffic engineers there and a traffic model that will show how this will work," said Easton. "They can basically get the information to see how it will work."

This July, UDOT plans to begin re-striping the car-pool lanes on I-15 to prepare for the express lanes, which will have only 15 access points near intersections. In early September, UDOT anticipates opening the lanes to the public.

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Open house scheduled

The Utah Department of Transportation is launching a new Web site today to help the public better understand a plan to turn the car-pool lanes on I-15 into express lanes. The Web site www.expresslanes.utah.gov.

On Thursday, UDOT will hold an open house to talk about the new lanes. Here are the details:

When: Thursday, June 29.

Where: Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus, 9750 S. 300 West in Sandy. Signs will be posted at the main entrance to direct people to the meeting.

Time: 5-7 p.m.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com