S.R. 73 getting needed eastbound lane

After six months of construction on state Route 73, the Utah Department of Transportation is adding another eastbound lane from 800 West in Saratoga Springs to Redwood Road, thanks partially to complaints from Eagle Mountain residents.

"(Residents) asked us to examine if there was the possibility of putting in an eastbound lane," said UDOT spokesman Scott Thompson. "And we decided we had enough road to make that happen."

In most construction projects, residents can voice complaints — like wanting another traffic lane — during environmental-assessment hearings. But Thompson said the nature of this project didn't require an environmental assessment, which means many residents didn't know the road would only add a westbound lane, not an additional eastbound one.

Eagle Mountain Mayor Heather Jackson said she suggested that residents with concerns about the project call and e-mail UDOT. Jackson and several City Council members also went to the transportation committee meeting to pass on concerns.

"Not every road project pleases everybody," Thompson said, "and I think in this instance, we took their suggestions and went back to look at it and say, 'Is this really something we could do?' And we decided it was."

Thompson said the additional lane will not be very expensive and will be paid for with the existing project budget.

If weather cooperates, the project should be completed in two to three weeks.

e-mail: ashaha@desnews.com