Canyon construction creates build uip
Long construction delays through Logan Canyon are scheduled to decrease by the end of September, when the majority of the roads will be paved.
Andy Neff, UDOT region one public involvement coordinator, said the wait should be 20 to 25 minutes.
The last major construction work done on the canyon road was 60 years ago.
Despite long delays from the construction in Logan Canyon, which began last October, the finished product will improve safety and the capacity of vehicles on the road, he said.
Many students and residents of Logan travel through the canyon regularly and have experienced one to two hour delays.
Family Life Senator Andrea Ekins said the drive took her about an hour and one-half.
“It was kind of a long wait, but I just feel bad for the people that have to drive through there every day.”
The construction began an accelerated schedule Aug. 1 because of subgrade problems from an unstable soil base below the pavement. This required calling in additional workers and trucks. It resulted in increased traffic flow and delays.
Neff said, “Anytime there are delays on the road, it is not pleasant. But we think the long-term benefits of the construction are worth it, and we appreciate the cooperation from the public and apologize for the inconvenience.”
The circumstances of the construction sight and environment have made working difficult.
“Working in this type of environment is a big undertaking because of the precautions they need to take to protect the environment and leave it the way it was when we started,” Neff said.
Plans include reconstructing the pavement, making two passing lanes, replacing three bridges and box coverts, widening the shoulders, extending the clear zones, and improving the intersections and sight distance on the curves.
The canyon will be closed for up to two hours several nights this week in order to haul in large, steel girders.
“Delays are significantly longer Fridays through Sundays, but weekdays haven’t been that bad,” Neff said.
To avoid delays up the canyon, north-bound Monte Cristo Road through Ogden and south-bound State Routes 30 and 36 through Idaho are alternate routes.
Completion of the construction project is scheduled for Nov. 1. No further changes are projected to be necessary until 2020.
“We know the public wants the project, because it will ensure safety because of better sight distance and provide a place for faster vehicles to move freely up the canyon,” Neff said.
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