A significant transportation project in Wasatch County is set to enhance road durability and safety, as the Transportation Coordinating Committee approved a request to mill and replace asphalt on a key roadway. The project aims to remove 1.5 inches of hot mix asphalt (HMA) and replace it with 2 inches of stone matrix asphalt (SMA), a move designed to extend the pavement's lifespan and reduce rutting. The total cost for this initiative is projected to exceed $16 million, with additional funding being sought to cover the expanded scope, which includes the installation of rumble strips for improved safety.
In a related discussion, the committee addressed a major project in Weber County that will not only improve the I-15 interchange but also widen 5600 South. The project, initially estimated at $236 million, now requires an additional $140 million due to inflation and rising material costs, bringing the total to approximately $376 million. This increase highlights the ongoing challenges of construction inflation and the need for updated funding to keep projects on track.
Another notable project involves the Bangerter Highway interchange, where an additional $1.6 million is requested to cover overruns in right-of-way acquisition costs. This brings the total project cost to $234.6 million, underscoring the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure improvements.
The committee also discussed the FrontRunner train expansion, with a legislative directive to allocate $200 million towards the project, which has a total cost of $400 million. This funding will facilitate the construction of new stations and double tracking, marking a significant step forward in public transportation development.
Lastly, Farmington City is seeking to withdraw a project from the federal program to avoid federal regulations, allowing them to utilize local funds for a new road construction project. This decision reflects the city's proactive approach to securing necessary funding while navigating the complexities of federal involvement in local projects.
These discussions illustrate the ongoing efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure in Utah, addressing both immediate needs and long-term planning challenges.