UDOT wants public informed about Utah construction projects in works

PROVO — Drivers who cruise along the notorious S-curve on I-15 in Provo, the one between the University Parkway and Center Street exits that cause most drivers to hit the brakes, will have another reason to slow down this summer: construction.

Crews will be widening and straightening the S-curve as part of the I-15 Core Utah County reconstruction project which will close one traffic lane in each direction on the curve. That will cause some of the most significant delays during the first five months of the 3-year project.

I-15 Core is one of about 25 major construction projects the Utah Department of Transportation discussed with the media at a news conference Monday afternoon. UDOT wants the public to "Know Where, Know Why," as the slogan goes for the 2010 construction information campaign.

"We're keenly aware our customers like us best when they see us least," said Carlos Braceras, UDOT deputy director.

Drivers can learn about construction by picking up the 2010 Road Construction Guide at most Utah Subway Restaurants. Drivers can also find information online at www.udot.utah.gov . The site also can arrange for drivers to receive Facebook, Twitter and other social media messages.

For the I-15 Core project, crews will be working 24 hours a day. "Most of our construction work is through the nights and six days a week," Braceras said.

Related to I-15 Core is construction of a new road called Pioneer Crossing and a new interchange on I-15 at American Fork's Main Street. On both the freeway and on city streets such as Main Street, there will be delays through the fall.

On 12th Street in Ogden, from Washington to Harrison boulevards, the road surface will be replaced and drivers should expect lane restrictions, closures and night work. On I-15 from Pages Lane in Centerville to Lagoon in Farmington, expect delays during concrete replacement. At 5400 South from Redwood Road to Bangerter Highway, there will be lane restrictions and night closures as UDOT installs "flex lanes," or lanes that will switch directions to accommodate morning and afternoon commutes using electronic signs.

The Mountain View Corridor, a road that will eventually be a freeway roughly along 5600 West, is under construction in the southern part of Salt Lake County. At cross streets such as 16000 South and Old Bingham Highway, there could be delays through 2013. The portion of Mountain View Corridor under construction in Utah County is two new frontage roads connecting Redwood Road and I-15 in Lehi. Drivers near 1200 West will be detoured on to 2100 North at 2300 West.

Crews will add a passing lane on U.S. 189 between Heber City and Provo Canyon, near Deer Creek Dam and Deer Creek State Park. Expect traffic to be restricted to one lane in each direction.

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