The work on I-15 from north of Bountiful to Lagoon is extremely frustrating. Why not leave it at five lanes when the repairs are done? I'm sure all the do-gooders who spend our gas tax dollars have lots and lots of reasons why not, but just how valid are they?
If we had the choice, all of us would opt for a new, safer, more efficient home. But would we want to tear down a less than premium home and replace the home with the latest state-of-the-art housing? I think not, unless some sugar daddy was paying. Yet this is what we continually face with our roads - the "all or nothing" ploy of bureaucrats and politicians. If ever a tax could (and should) be assessed and spent "only" for the user, it's gas taxes.Once upon a time it was called a trust fund before it was used for public transportation (buses, light rail, etc.). And more recently, "federal deficit reduction." The government doesn't want to have it said very loud, but yes, a big chunk of our federal gas tax is now used for reducing the federal deficit. Federalism run amok.
Gov. Mike Leavitt has come out as a champion of reordering priorities and a return of states' rights. Why don't we let him know how we feel about the section of freeway between Centerville and Farmington via UDOT? Why can't we have five lanes now? We can drive on these aprons for almost a year during construction. Why not until they get around to completing the job?
Maybe the trucks will need to be restricted to the three concrete lanes. Maybe the inside lane will need to be converted to a car pool lane. What we need are solutions, not reasons why they can't do it. I suggest that we let the government know how we feel. Call UDOT at (801) 965-4103 or fax UDOT at (801) 965-4338. These lines are set up for us to be heard. Why not let UDOT hear from us?
D. Hansen
Bountiful