Citizen complaints have prompted the Utah Department of Transportation to make changes to its new toll, or "express," lane system on I-15.
Over the next two weeks, UDOT will be expanding the access points to the lanes by about 1,000 feet. In Utah County, two new access points will be added near Highland and American Fork.
New signs directing drivers where to enter and exit the lanes will also be added.
UDOT director John Njord said Friday that the complaints, or "suggestions," by drivers will hopefully improve the usability of the express lanes.
"We're getting a lot of customers giving us suggestions," Njord said. "That is exactly what we want to hear. And we're making adjustments."
A Deseret Morning News survey of 109 e-mails sent to the department in August showed that the top complaint about the express lanes was that access was limited, and it was difficult for motorists to enter and exit when desired.
The express lanes, which stretch 38 miles from Salt Lake City to Orem, are separated from the general-purpose lanes by two eight-inch white lines. Currently there are 15 points where motorists can enter and exit the lanes. The access points are indicated by a broken white line.
Njord said Friday that he felt good about how the lanes were being used. In October, UDOT plans to sell 500 more passes for solo motorists to use the lanes. The passes are $50 a month. People who carpool, drive an eco-friendly car, use the bus or have a motorcycle can still use the express lanes for free.
For more information, log on to www.expresslanes.utah.gov.
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com