John Gleason, spokesperson for UDOT, stated that the innovative technique was first used in Utah 15 years ago.
The Salt Lake Tribune) Miguel Jimenez, left, and Manuel Robles do patchwork as UDOT completes partial construction of a highway-spanning bridge.| The Salt Lake Tribune) Miguel Jimenez, left, and Manuel Robles do patchwork as UDOT completes partial construction of a highway-spanning bridge.
| April 8, 2022, 1:00 p.m.
| Updated: 2:08 p.m.
Utah Department of Transportation launches its 2022 construction season. They demolish an old bridge and slide a new one in place.
I-80 will close in both directions between Foothill Drive & 700 E. from April 9th at 9 p.m. to April 10th at 1 p.m. Crews will remove the existing bridge and slide in a new one.
This project is one of 175 currently under construction in Utah 2022. It has a total value $2.5 billion.
John Gleason, UDOT spokesperson said that the accelerated bridge building technique was first used in Utah 15 years ago. This weekend’s construction marks the 25th instance of this technique in Utah, and Departments of Transportation across all 50 states will now use it.
Gleason explained that years ago, we would have to close sections of roads for months while we were building bridges. The real benefit is the time savings for those who travel our roads.
According to a news release, the bridge is scheduled for replacement.
The new bridge will make driving easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists. It features a 14-foot wide path on its west side and a sidewalk and bike lane to the east.
Gleason stated that UDOT’s bridge management program monitors every bridge in the state and inspects each bridge at least twice a year.
He explained that UDOT had performed these inspections to determine when it was time for the bridge replacement at 700 E.
Gleason stated that good roads are more affordable than bad ones. The 700 E. bridge has been around many decades and decades and has done a great job. But it is time to replace that bridge.
I-15 Environmental Study
UDOT is not only starting bridge replacement work this weekend, but also the 2022 construction season.
As part of an environmental study on the I-15 corridor between Farmington, Salt Lake City, early scoping activities are underway.
The team is currently working on defining transportation needs and understanding stakeholder interests. According to the project website.
The team will then begin a formal Environmental Impact Statement process. These steps were set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act.
They include developing a broad range possible transportation solutions, evaluating the environmental impact of those proposed solutions, as well as engaging the public, stakeholders, and stakeholders.
Tiffany Pocock, UDOT Project Manager, stated that cost estimates are not currently available as the team has not yet submitted any proposals. UDOT estimates that the study should be completed by early-2024.
UDOT is conducting an environmental impact assessment because the corridor is starting to grow out its infrastructure. Some areas are nearing 50-years old.
Pocock explained that the study team includes UDOTs design and environmental partners as well as public relations partners. They bring a variety of professional knowledge.
She said that I-15 must be ready for the future. What does that look like in 2050 and beyond?
She said that public comment will be open from April 11 to May 15 and will last for 30 days.
Visit i15eis.udot.utah.govSubmit comments