HOV lane on the horizon
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1 comment [ View ]It would be wonderful news for Top of Utah commuters if the Utah Department of Transportation builds a high occupancy lane on I-15 as it stretches through Weber and Davis counties.
Although details are still scarce, it appears that will one day happen. According to Standard-Examiner reporter Mitch Shaw, "transportation officials said the Utah Department of Transportation plans to install an HOV, or express lane, from northern Weber County to southern Davis County, a stretch that would cover about 40 miles."
HOVs, like carpool lanes, are designed for vehicles with multiple passengers. However, with an HOV lane, lone drivers in vehicles can also use it if he or she pays a toll.
Forty miles is a long stretch for an HOV. In fact, when it is built, it will be the longest continuous HOV lane in the United States.
It is badly needed on I-15, particularly in the Top of Utah, which has seen a lot of UDOT construction south of Weber County in recent years. Stuart Adams, chairman of the Utah Transportation Committee, told the Standard's Shaw that much planning is still to be done with the new HOV lane. In fact, he said, there's not an assigned starting date for the project.
"The overall goal of the project is to ease congestion. Having this lane will go a long way in doing that," Adams told Shaw.
Top of Utahns long frustrated with construction-related delays will have to deal with yet more before they see the 40-mile HOV lane come to be. UDOT officials told Shaw that some areas in Davis County are already prepared for an extra HOV lane, but "in Weber County, the HOV lane may require construction of additional lanes on I-15."
We understand the frustration of seemingly endless construction drivers experience on Utah roads. But, despite whatever delays may be caused by construction, if we get a quality HOV lane, it will be worth the fuss and cost.
UDOT's Charles Mace, manager of the Davis County "Lain Gain" project on I-15, says Davis and Weber commuters will enjoy great advantages when the HOV lane is completed.
"It's just another tool in the bag to help with congestion. It promotes carpooling, and it makes things a lot more flexible," Mace told Shaw.
We agree. We urge UDOT to get the HOV lane up and running as soon as possible. And we are pleased that FrontRunner and the future HOV lane are providing positive transportation alternatives for those of us who live in the Top of Utah.
Neither FrontRunner or HOV will make much difference. FrontRunner has actually increased traffic volume on I-15 according to official UDOT traffic counts on their website. HOV won't work. Only more capacity on the freeway will do the trick. The proof will come when Legacy opens on Sept. 13th. (I love being right)