Layton interchange on track

LAYTON — The Utah Department of Transportation expects to begin construction on a new interchange in Layton in July.

Currently in southern Layton, motorists can only enter I-15 heading south from Main Street and can only exit I-15 from northbound lanes.

The approved and newly financed design calls for the closure of the existing northbound exit and the construction of a 30-foot high overpass with a full interchange. The plan also calls for the construction of 750 South from Flint Street on the west of the freeway to Fort Lane on the east side and widening of Main Street.

The estimated $64 million project, which is expected to generate better traffic flows through the southern part of Layton, was put on hold in late 2008 when lawmakers anticipated a budget shortfall. But funding has since been arranged and UDOT is requesting bids for the design and construction of the project.

Appraisers have begun meeting with local business owners, who will be forced off of Main Street by the construction.

"We're never excited to have to take people's property," said Vic Saunders, a UDOT spokesman.

But that's what will happen to Sill's Cafe and Allco Discount Auto Parts, both of which stand in the path of the new interchange.

Kim Covieo started Allco 37 years ago and doesn't know where he's going to find a new location for his business. For the past few months, he's been scouting locations, but he's looking for one close enough to his current shop so he doesn't lose his customers.

John Sill is in the same boat. His restaurant, started by his father in 1957, is the closest thing to "Cheers" in Layton. Sill has been working there for the past 18 years, showing up at 3:30 a.m. about half of the week to get started for the day.

Sill said if he finds a new location, UDOT offered to help move his equipment to the new place.

But until UDOT actually makes an offer, which he hopes is a fair one, he doesn't feel he can commit to moving his cafe. It's been 13 years or so since the first time he heard UDOT was getting ready to rebuild the interchange.

But this time, UDOT appears serious. Saunders' e-mail to local media Thursday laid out a timeline for the project: June 2009 — select a design-build team, July 2009 — begin design and construction, fall 2011 — project completion.

A public open house will be held prior to the beginning of any construction activities, Saunders said.

Covieo and Sill say they understand that progress is necessary, even if it means their businesses will have to relocate. They don't like it, but they understand.

E-MAIL: jdougherty@desnews.com