Weber and Davis counties are set to see a handful of state road projects either begin, continue or wrap up this summer.

Recently, the Standard-Examiner spoke with Utah Department of Transportation spokesman Mitch Shaw about four such projects that motorists may be watching take shape in the coming months along various state routes and city streets.

U.S. Highway 89

Cost: $527 million.

Anticipated timeline: To be finished this fall.

Among the state’s biggest projects is the multifaceted Highway 89 project between Farmington and and Interstate 84 in Layton.

“The U.S. 89 highway project is the second-largest currently under construction in Utah,” Shaw said. “It includes the reconstruction and widening of a 9-mile section of the highway, along with building the four new interchanges. A new frontage road system was also created to improve access to local neighborhoods and provide a safer route for cyclists. In addition, three new pedestrian tunnels have been built under the highway to connect to future city and county trail expansions.”

Interchanges including on- and off-ramps were added at 200 North/400 North, Oak Hills Drive, Gordon Avenue and Antelope Drive while bridges over the highway were also added at Nicholls Road and Crestwood Road.

Shaw said the changing nature of these cities led to the need to upgrade the highway.

“Northern Davis and southern Weber counties have changed, transitioning from rural/agricultural to more residential suburban and commercial uses,” he said. “Continued and projected growth is leading to increased travel demand on Davis County’s north-south routes. Currently, U.S. 89 between I-15 and I-84 is experiencing heavy traffic congestion and increased delay times.”

He said that with the change in the region comes the prospect of denser traffic.

“Traffic models predict that by 2040, if U.S. 89 is left in its current configuration, the traffic volume will increase by 43%, from 37,700 to 54,000 vehicles per day,” he said. “In addition, a high number of crashes are occurring that are related to speed and lane changes associated with traffic congestion. The frequency of crashes involving wildlife along this corridor is also high. The U.S. 89 Farmington to Interstate 84 project will improve U.S. Highway 89 by addressing current and future congestion, the high crash rating and additional growth in this part of the Wasatch Front. This project reflects UDOT’s commitment to keep traffic moving now and in the future.”

Shaw said officials are looking at additional work on the corridor in the near future.

“UDOT has also initiated an environmental assessment to identify potential improvements to the I-84/U.S. 89 interchange in Weber County, which is just north of the current U.S. 89 project,” he said. “The study will ultimately identify a design that addresses congestion, improves safety and provides reliable access for residents and businesses.”

5600 South

Cost: $238 million.

Anticipated timeline: Beginning late spring or early summer and lasting through 2026.

UDOT will also be reconstructing the 5600 South interchange on I-15 in Weber County and widening 5600 South to 3500 West.

“This project will reduce congestion and improve safety and mobility on 5600 South (S.R. 97) from I-15 to 3500 West (S.R. 108),” Shaw said.

Along with road widening and the interchange, the project will include a trail system, utility upgrades and trail improvements.

Shaw said there’s a major distinction with this project versus others going on in the area.

“One unique element of the 5600 South project is its project delivery method through the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) process,” he said. “Progressive Design-Build is a method of project delivery in Utah that incorporates the contractor from the earliest stages of the project. This method facilitates coordination with third parties and enhances collaboration between the owner, designer and contractor. In contrast, a traditional design-build project provides UDOT with less flexibility to change or adjust the project scope as the design progresses. Another advantage of PDB is it allows UDOT to complete this project up to a year earlier when compared to other project delivery methods.”

West Davis Highway (state Route 177)

Cost: $750 million.

Anticipated timeline: Started spring 2021 and wrapping up in 2024.

By far the most expensive project is the West Davis Highway.

“West Davis is a new 16-mile, four-lane divided highway that will be constructed in western Davis County between the I-15/Legacy Parkway junction at approximately Glovers Lane in Farmington and the future extension of S.R. 193 in West Point,” Shaw said.

He added that, while it’s a new roadway that hasn’t opened to traffic yet, there may be impacts on motorists.

“Although this is a new road, work will sometimes necessitate lane closures on nearby roads,” he said.

The public can keep up on these closures at westdavis.udot.utah.gov.

S.R. 108

Cost: $78.1 million

Anticipated timeline: Work is slated to begin this summer with the end date to be determined.

In conjunction with the cities of West Point and Clinton, UDOT will be widening 2000 West (S.R. 108) between 300 North in West Point and 1800 North in Clinton.

“The project will widen 2000 West from three to five lanes and add curb, gutter, sidewalk and a multi-use path to improve safety and accessibility through the corridor as well as promote active transportation,” Shaw said. “In addition to roadway widening, intersection improvements will be made at 800 North, 1300 North and 1800 North.”

He added that drivers should use caution along this project.

“When construction begins, motorists should expect delays and use alternate routes, if possible,” he said. “Obey posted speed limits and pay attention for workers in the construction zone.”

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