Transcom reviews major funding adjustments for four road improvement projects

A significant shift in funding strategy was discussed at the Wasatch County Transportation Coordinating Committee meeting on November 9, 2023, as officials addressed escalating costs for local infrastructure projects. The committee reviewed a proposal to modify the scope of a major project, originally approved in 2017, which has now nearly doubled in cost to approximately $4.9 million.

The project, which involves the reconstruction of Chimes View and Fortieth Street, will be divided into two phases. The first phase focuses on Chimes View, extending from Riverdale Road to Country Club Drive. The committee recommended an additional $200,000 to complete project design and acquire necessary right-of-way, ensuring progress without further delays.

In addition to this primary project, the committee also examined three other local initiatives facing budget increases. A Kaysville project on SR 273 is seeking an additional $1.1 million for necessary surface treatments, raising the total estimated cost to over $6 million. Meanwhile, a project in Washington Terrace is requesting an extra $215,000 to address rising costs, with potential local government contributions to cover any shortfall. Lastly, a project in Woods Cross is looking for an additional $250,000 to improve an intersection, bringing its total to over $1.3 million.

These discussions highlight the ongoing challenges of funding and managing transportation projects in the face of rising costs and changing project scopes. The committee's proactive approach aims to keep these essential infrastructure improvements on track while seeking additional funding sources.