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Definitions of Terms - Click a term for its definition. -
Alternate Route
An alternative course of travel taken by a driver to avoid a construction area. An alternate route is taken voluntarily, while a detour is mandated with construction barrels, signs or traffic control personnel.
Design-Build
All project design, construction and permit aspects are consolidated under one contractor, which accelerates the project schedule and reduces travel delays.
Clear & grub
The process of preparing ground for the construction of a roadway, including clearing away weeds and grading the corridor.
Detour
Rerouting of traffic around a construction area. A detour is mandated with construction barrels, signs or traffic control personnel; but an alternate route is taken voluntarily by the driver.
Diverging Diamond Interchange
A freeway interchange in which lanes and signals are streamlined for increased safety and better traffic flow. Click here to see a rendering.
Environmental Study
In order for transportation improvements to be built, proper environmental clearances must be obtained. There are various levels of environmental studies: Categorical Exclusions (CATEX), Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Study type varies with the type of transportation improvement proposed. In the case of Pioneer Crossing construction, UDOT completed an EA in Summer 2007. Around the same time, an EIS was completed for I-15 in Utah County.
Fill
Scientifically processed dirt of varying sizes and grades that is used as surcharge (see "surcharge" definition below).
Interchange/Intersection
An interchange exists where two intersected roads are separated by a bridge to allow for more efficient traffic flow, such as the point at which a freeway intersects with surface roads. An intersection is where two roads intersect at the same level (elevation).
Limited Access
In the case of Pioneer Crossing, this means that intersections with the roadway will be limited to major cross-streets and controlled with signals. Bridges will be built at Jordan River and over Union Pacific railroad tracks to allow for easy passage. No driveways to homes or businesses will be allowed on Pioneer Crossing between Redwood Road and 300 East.
Privacy fence
A concrete wall constructed to provide privacy to property owners along a roadway. A privacy fence is typically shorter than a sound wall. Privacy fence heights along Pioneer Crossing will vary, but will typically be about 8-feet tall.
Sound wall (or noise wall)
A concrete wall constructed to reduce the impact of roadway noise on nearby residents. Sound wall heights along Pioneer Crossing will vary, but will typically be at least 12-feet tall.
Surcharge
Large piles of fill (see above) used to help compress the ground in a process called "settlement." This has to take place before a roadway or a bridge can be built.
Urban Arterial
A medium-speed roadway with limited access that connects to a greater regional transportation system. Pioneer Crossing speed limits will be 40-45 mph. The roadway will connect with the I-15 freeway and other arterials such as Redwood Road and State Street.
Utilities
Services such as water, sewer, power, communication and storm drain lines. Utility lines often parallel, intersect with or are placed underneath roadways. Construction crews must work on these lines, occasionally moving them so they won't be damaged when roadwork begins.
Water Main
A principal pipe or conduit in a community's water supply system. The 60" water main to be placed along Pioneer Crossing is part of a Central Utah Water Conservancy District pipeline that will convey water to a storage reservoir near Saratoga Springs/Eagle Mountain. The pipeline project will help supply northern Utah County and Southern Salt Lake County residents with water.
Bridge Terms - Click a term for its definition. -
Abutment
The end foundation upon which the superstructure (or top section) of the bridge rests.
Approach Slab
A slab of concrete that provides a gradual transition between the roadway and the bridge deck.
Bearing Units
Devices upon which the ends of beams or girders are placed on top of an abutment.
Bent Cap
The top portion of a support column commonly made of reinforced concrete or steel. The bent cap is placed perpendicular to the bridge girders, which allows it to help carry the weight of vehicles and the top portion of the bridge.
Bridge Deck
The driving surface of a bridge; the deck may be of concrete, which in turn may be covered with asphalt.
Columns
A vertical structural element typically made of concrete and reinforced with steel, used to support vehicle loads traveling across the bridge.
Footing
The enlarged lower portion of the foundation that rests directly on the piles; it's typically underground and not visible.
Girder
A large steel or concrete beam.
Parapet
A low concrete wall along the outside edge of a bridge deck used to protect vehicles and pedestrians.
Piles/Pilings
A long, slender column, usually made of steel or reinforced concrete, driven into the ground to carry the weight of the bridge.
Wing Walls
Extensions of a retaining wall as part of an abutment; used to contain the underlying embankment.
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