At last! St. George project done

ST. GEORGE — A parade of classic cars cruised the newly paved and reconstructed St. George Boulevard early Friday morning to celebrate the completion of the nearly 16-month-long project.

"This has been a day we've been looking forward to for a long time," said Utah Department of Transportation Executive Director John Njord, during a brief ceremony held in a parking lot at the corner of the boulevard and Bluff Street. More than 200 people gathered to enjoy the party that featured live music and a free continental breakfast.

The $15 million project disrupted the lives of business owners and residents alike and created some controversy with the addition of raised medians placed intermittently along the boulevard.

"This project has been high on our radar screen for years," said Njord, adding that he was pleased with the project that aimed to revamp not only the road but also the curb and deep gutter that traditionally lined the transportation corridor through the heart of St. George.

The reconstruction project included resurfacing the entire length of the boulevard, which is a designated state highway. Specialized asphalt should last up to 30 years in the harsh desert heat of Utah's Dixie, and the open irrigation ditches that once lined the street are gone.

Sections of raised, landscaped medians now limit left-hand turns, although U-turns are allowed at intersections. The St. George Police Department's monthly incident reports have routinely shown multiple crashes and accidents along the heavily traveled roadway. The medians should significantly cut down on the number of traffic accidents, according to St. George officials.

Following a short program and ribbon-cutting ceremony, St. George Mayor Dan McArthur and City Council members helped lead the vintage cars in a leisurely ride down the newly refurbished road.

The project contractor, Western Quality Concrete, kept business owners along the boulevard informed throughout the process by working with 15 block team leaders. Each team leader was responsible for making sure each business in his block was aware of construction schedules and possible conflicts.

A public relations firm also was hired to maintain a Web site on the project and work with media representatives.

"We are pleased to present the boulevard project to the citizens of St. George," said Dal Hawks, UDOT Region Four director. "This main transportation artery through the heart of St. George is now safer, stronger and looks better than ever."

A few orange construction barrels will remain along the boulevard until landscaping is completed.

---

E-MAIL: nperkins@desnews.com