It's a clear sign that spring is here: orange traffic barrels, crews in hard hats and roads under construction.
The Utah Department of Transportation has planned more than 300 construction projects this summer, ranging from pothole repair and resurfacing to major reconstruction and roadway rehabilitation. Motorists are advised to be aware and know when work will be done on the roads they drive.
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"One of the things that we're blessed with in Utah is four seasons, but with that comes only a half-year construction season," said Randy Park, director of UDOT Region 2, which covers the central Wasatch Front. "So unfortunately, we're really limited in the amount of time we're out there building and preserving."
Some of the state's largest construction projects are as follows:
Northern Utah — UDOT Region 1
The restart of work on the Legacy Parkway is the big story for residents in Weber and Davis counties, but more traffic impacts will come this summer from the I-15 NOW (New Ogden Weber) expansion project.
Work on the $233 million project began earlier this year and will end in late 2008. When finished, I-15 will have an additional lane from 31st Street in Ogden to 2700 North in Farr West. Bridges and interchanges will also be reconstructed or redone.
"It's very similar to the I-15 reconstruction in Salt Lake County several years ago," said Cory Pope, UDOT Region 1 director.
During daylight hours, lanes will be reduced to two in each direction. Some full freeway closures are also anticipated. Alternatives are advised. "I think our goal is a 25 percent reduction in mainline traffic," said Pope. "If we do that, I suspect we'll be successful."
Wasatch Front — UDOT Region 2
Redwood Road and State Street are targeted for some of the biggest construction projects in Salt Lake County this year. Two widening and reconstruction projects are planned on Redwood and one along State.
Motorists in the southern part of Salt Lake County will be hit hard by the projects. Work on State Street will be from 9000 South to 10600 South, while one of the Redwood projects will be from 10600 South to 12300 South.
"Both are large, complete reconstruction projects," said Jason Davis, Region 2 deputy director. Specifics about lane closures have yet to be determined.
On I-80, traffic will be impacted later this summer as crews repave an area where potholes were repaired this winter. Lanes will also be restricted on 700 East from 9400 South to 10000 South as crews work on a widening and reconstruction project.
"Patience is always appreciated," said Park, Region 2 director.
Central and southern Utah — UDOT Regions 3 and 4
Small construction projects on I-15 will mean big traffic impacts for people traveling south of Salt Lake County this summer.
"We need to maintain it," said Dave Nazare, UDOT Region 3 director. "Pavement will deteriorate over time, and certain treatments are more cost-effective to do over the life cycle of the pavement."
Other projects include continued work on the $55 million Provo Canyon widening project. Motorists along Provo's Center Street will also experience delays and closures from a bridge repair project. I-15 offramps to eastbound Provo Center Street will be closed for possibly a month.
More information about state construction projects is available at www.udot.utah.gov.
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com