The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) recently released a list of some of the agency's most impactful road and bridge construction projects to drivers for 2021.
UDOT will be working on 185 projects across the state in 2021, with a value of $3.45 billion over the life of the projects, many of which span multiple years. Planned improvements range from repaving rural highways and building freeway-style interchanges to widening and repaving interstates and demolishing and rebuilding bridges. The traffic delays from these projects range from overnight lane restrictions to full road closures with major detours.
“These projects are an essential part of our ongoing efforts to connect our communities and keep our economy strong,” Region Two Director Robert Stewart said in a statement. “We’ve planned this work to minimize inconvenience for drivers and residents, but we want everyone to be aware that there will be delays, restrictions, and changes to your daily commute and other travels.”
One major project will reconstruct sections of I-80 and I-215 in eastern Salt Lake County. Crews will also add a new eastbound lane on I-80 and reconstruct three bridges along I-80 at 1300 East, 1700 East, and 2000 East. This will reduce travel delays and improve the condition of this major cross-country interstate. Construction is scheduled to begin later next month. Drivers should expect overnight and weekend lane closures on I-80 and I-215, as well as some complete closures of I-80 during bridge work.
As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Utah is expected to nearly double its population over the next 45 years, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. In fact, Utah had the highest growth rate in the country over the past 10 years, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. UDOT is continually looking for ways to meet current and future transportation needs while maintaining the existing highway system in good condition.
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SOURCE: Utah DOT
