Payson readies for I-15 bridge projects

PAYSON — Construction crews are getting ready to replace decks on three bridges that carry traffic through Payson on I-15.

The design phase is nearing completion to replace bridge decks at Main Street, 400 North and Utah Avenue, said Daniel Page of the Utah Department of Transportation.

The work was planned to begin later in the year, Page said, but because of federal stimulus money, it will get under way as soon as next week and should be completed by November.

Construction crews will build the decks off-site, then truck them to the site and lift them into place.

The plan also calls for widening the off-ramp at Main Street to allow for two left-turn lanes. The $9 million project stretches 1.5 miles along I-15 as the freeway passes through Payson.

Crews will emblazon a Payson city logo on each bridge, Page said.

The northbound decks are scheduled for completion by July, the Main Street off-ramp widening by August and the southbound lanes by October.

If crews get the work done by the November deadline, contractor Ralph L. Wadsworth gets a $20,000 bonus, Page said.

Construction updates are available online at www.udot.gov/paysonbridges or by calling UDOT at 877-222-3757.

— Rodger L. Hardy