UDOT readies 280 projects for summer work

WEST VALLEY CITY — Flush with state and federal money, the Utah Department of Transportation is embarking on a summer construction season with some 280 projects costing $2 billion.

The first projects begin this weekend in Salt Lake, Utah and Davis counties.

"It's probably going to be the biggest construction season in the state of Utah," Carlos Braceras, UDOT deputy director, said at a news conference Wednesday at the site of one of the projects, at 3500 South near 2800 West. That project involves widening 3500 South for a Utah Transit Authority bus rapid-transit lane.

"We understand our work causes inconveniences," Braceras said. "No one likes it when the roads are under construction."

UDOT has identified 30 projects that will most affect motorists. Information is available on an interactive map at www.udot.utah.gov/knowwhereknowwhy. At the Web site, motorists can sign up for weekly construction e-mails. Motorists also can pick up maps at 200 Subway restaurants throughout the state, or receive weekly text messages by texting the word "UDOT" to 83043.

The summer construction season usually lasts until mid-to-late October, Braceras said.

The state is receiving $213 million for transportation projects from the federal stimulus legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, with most of the money for UDOT projects. Also, the Utah Legislature this spring approved two bills that will provide $2.2 billion in bonding for state transportation projects over the next four years.

The construction industry has been severely hit by the recession, with 14,000 people looking for work in February, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services. That equates to a 15.6 percent unemployment rate for that industry.

Based on a Federal Highway Administration formula of 35,000 jobs created for every $1 billion in spending, Braceras estimated that about 70,000 people would be employed as a result of the summer construction.

"Those are direct and indirect" jobs, Braceras said, from people who work at gas stations to people who work in concrete activities.

The projects will help the construction industry, said Rich Thorn, president and chief executive of the Associated General Contractors of Utah, a professional association.

"This really is a great time of year, especially if you're a contractor," he said. The state money, combined with the federal stimulus package, "is literally putting tens of thousands of people back to work."

Thorn reminded drivers to slow down in construction areas, mind posted speed limits and use caution around crews.

"These people are your brother, your sister, your parents," he said. "We want to make sure they get home safely."

E-MAIL: lhancock@desnews.com