CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION

Commuter Lanes

To meet a unique transportation need in northern Utah County, UDOT has developed a unique transportation solution: commuter lanes.

The notion for the concept was born during the environmental process for roadway expansion of Timpanogos Highway between I-15 and the mouth of American Fork Canyon. As studies were made and meetings were held, two things became clear. First, it was easy to see how important Timpanogos Highway is to the transportation infrastructure of northern Utah County. Second, it was clear that a significant number of users were either going to or returning from I-15.

UDOT engineers considered ways to provide freeway-type access without incurring freeway-type public impacts. Eventually they came up with the "commuter lane" concept, in which a separate, distinct roadway would be built adjacent to the expanded Timpanogos Highway arterial (and within the environmentally approved footprint). These lanes would consist of one lane in each direction that would link more directly to I-15. These lanes would be constructed so that they passed over or under each Timpanogos Highway intersection, so those commuting to or from I-15 could do so more quickly, without having to stop at signalized intersections.

Construction Zone Safety

Construction work zones present a challenge to drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and construction crews. Construction workers are performing difficult tasks with live traffic just a few feet away and drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists are traveling through unfamiliar and often-changing road conditions. This is true with the Timpanogos Highway project. Many areas along the road have little or no shoulder area, which makes it difficult for bicyclists or joggers to stay out of the traffic lane. Recently, some pedestrians have been walking or running just beyond construction barriers and barrels in what is actually an official construction zone. This area is restricted to construction personnel only.

UDOT's first goal in every construction project is to make sure no one gets hurt. Here are four rules to help you stay safe:

Do not enter construction zones
Be alert and careful near construction zones
Cross only at assigned areas
Find an alternate route for walking or biking

Bridge Elements

The elements of a bridge all fit together like the pieces of an elaborate puzzle. Though bridges may be pre-fabricated, built in sections or built on site, each component of a bridge works together with other components to ensure that the bridge is stable and reliable upon completion. As each element plays a specific role in the creation and overall performance of a bridge, the following terms and definitions will help you understand what each element is and why it is important to the overall bridge structure.

The bridge puzzle is assembled this way: pilings provide the stability under the bridge, giving the structure underlying support. Above the pilings is the footing, which serves as the supporting base for the bridge. On top of this base are the columns, abutments and bent caps, which all provide support for the girders. The girders carry the weight of the bridge deck and thus support the weight of the vehicles traveling on the bridge.

The wing walls and retaining walls both serve as transition points, providing the stability necessary to transition from road to bridge seamlessly. The approach slab is also set into place to create a smooth transition between the road and the bridge by reducing the settlement of the ground surrounding the bridge. Parapets are put into place on the outside edge of the bridge deck to serve as a safety wall.

What to Expect During Construction

While construction is under way, you should expect to see or experience some of the following:

Orange Barrels and Signs: These are important because they indicate where the construction zone is located. Following the signs and barrels will help keep you safe.

Heavy Equipment: Construction crews will use a variety of heavy equipment from track hoes, graders and dump trucks to cranes and paving machines. Give them plenty of space. A good rule-of-thumb to stay safe around construction equipment: If you can't see the driver's eyes, the driver can't see you either! So be careful!

Travel Delays: It's a balancing act—building new roads and bridges and keeping traffic flowing smoothly. Give yourself extra time and space between you and the car in front of you. The construction may be inconvenient for now, but in the end it will be worth it.

Noise & Dust: All the construction equipment makes noise, some more than others. There will also be some dust in the air, especially near areas where bridges are being built. We will do all we can to minimize the noise and keep the project clean and clear of dust and debris.

Utility Work: Communication lines, water, gas and sewer lines are typically placed within the right-of-way. Crews dig deep trenches so use extra caution. There may occasionally be service disruptions—both planned and unplanned. We'll do our best to give you as much advance notice as we possibly can.

You can help!

UDOT and our contractor will do what we can to build the project as quickly and safely as possible, and you can help. As you drive through the project, please: