Utility Outages
15. Why don't I get any notice before my water/power goes out?
1. Why can't traffic be shifted to one side of the road while the other side is entirely completed, and then everything swapped to complete the other side? Why can't the road be constructed in sections, with everything being completed in a given area and then have work move onto the next section?
Construction phasing is an art, and there are many factors to consider. The contractor is only able to work in areas where necessary right-of-way has been secured and adequate design is available. The design/build method of construction provides for accelerated project delivery, and it also requires a level of flexibility with construction phasing. Crews must get work done as they are able based on plan availability and right-of-way acquisition. As such, completing the roadway a half at a time or in entire sections is just not feasible from a scheduling and logistical standpoint. Utility relocations are also a major factor in construction phasing. Crews must work around existing utilities until necessary relocation work can be accomplished. While the project team and utility companies coordinate operations closely, it can be challenging to make everything happen at once.
2. Why can't the flaggers give more time for people to stop? I've had to slam on my brakes many times to stop when they turn their sign.
The contractor's traffic control staff continue to review and work to improve flagger procedures and conduct. Flaggers work under specific standards, requiring them to ensure the safety of both the traveling public and the construction operation. Balancing these can be difficult, but the team continues to follow up on areas of concern. Abrupt stops are one area that will receive special attention.
3. The crews need to be more courteous about letting people get into their driveways, staying out of the way, etc.
The contractor's crews have a primary goal of being respectful and courteous with the public in an effort to maintain a positive relationship with property owners, businesses and commuters. Crews are doing their best to remain out of the way of residents and businesses in the area, but there is a lot going on along the project. If you find your access blocked, please feel free to respectfully request a truck or piece of equipment be moved. Crews have been asked to respond quickly and respectfully.
4. Can't the crews do more to keep rocks/debris off the road?
Winter is a difficult time to keep the roads clear, and keeping work moving during the winter months to keep the project on schedule has resulted in some rocks and mud on the roadways. Crews are working to keep the roads clear as best they can, however, and any patience the public can lend is appreciated.
5. The project team and construction crews have been very respectful and good to work with.
The project team set a positive relationship with the public as one of its three main goals at the project outset. We are pleased to hear many survey respondents indicate this goal is being met.
6. The project seems very well coordinated. I am pleased with the good progress that is being made.
The project team has worked hard to keep operations coordinated and moving, despite challenges with specific design elements or property acquisition.
7. I appreciate the way the work has continued during the winter months. The contractor seems committed to getting the project done.
The contractor has a goal to complete the project early and is working to find ways to accomplish that. Rest assured, all on the project team are interested in completing the project in the most expeditious manner possible while still ensuring a quality product and positive public relationships.
8. I appreciate the weekly email updates and the availability of the public information people to respond to my questions and concerns.
Our project-dedicated public information team is working to ensure the public has timely, accurate information. Please continue to keep in touch as questions or concerns arise.
9. What is the anticipated completion date? Is the project on schedule to meet it?
Major operations between Bangerter Highway and SR-73 are scheduled for completion by summer 2009. The remaining portion, between SR-73 and 400 South in Saratoga Springs is slated for completion by fall 2009. The project is on schedule to meet those deadlines.
10. We need sound walls in our area.
Specific federal regulations dictate the consideration for and installation of sound walls by a project. This process was followed for the SR-68 project, and sound walls were approved only in the Dalmore Meadows area of Saratoga Springs. While we understand residents in other areas of the project would like to see sound walls installed, it is not permissible based on technical analysis and funding considerations.
11. It is taking significantly longer to get from one end of the project to the other.
We are aware that construction does cause some delay, and the team has taken measures to reduce delay as much as possible, such as limiting high-impact work to off-peak hours where possible and maintaining two lanes at all times with a few necessary exceptions. The project team appreciates the public's patience as this project proceeds.
12. Why can't left-turners have their own lane?
In order to have enough area to build the improvements, the contractor needed to place traffic in just two lanes. As such, additional width to allow for turn lanes has not been available. Please exercise caution and patience when turning or when waiting for others to turn.
13. Why can't all the work be done at night or limited to off-peak driving times?
Night work along this corridor has not been feasible, primarily due to the number of residents. Even when night work is happening in a non-residential area, large equipment and trucks are still necessary along the route to keep things moving. Night work has been necessary in a few, specific instances to accomplish utility work, and intersection work may be done primarily at night to limit traffic delays. Where possible, high-impact activities have been limited to off-peak times. Sometimes emergency work or other considerations have caused exceptions, but generally the project team is committed to keeping traffic flowing while getting the job done.
14. Can't the signals be coordinated better? Is this how they'll function when the project is all done?
During construction, signals are often timed differently to accommodate traffic flow and the construction operations. Also, sometimes traffic sensors must be temporarily disabled during construction operations. Such is the case at many of the signals along the route. At completion, the signal sensing equipment and timing will be adjusted to maximize traffic flow along the route.
15. Why don't I get any notice before my water/power goes out?
In all cases where outages are necessary for construction, they are scheduled in advance and prior notice is provided to those affected. Any time you have experienced a utility service outage without prior notification, it has been due to an accidental line hit or unplanned emergency repair requiring an outage. The project team apologizes for those inconvenient outages and is working at all times to minimize those.