Utah DOT plans I 15 widening project with new underpasses in St George

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is moving forward with a significant reevaluation of the I-15 widening project, which stretches from Saint George Boulevard to Bluff Street. This reevaluation, not part of the original plan, aims to enhance local connectivity by potentially raising I-15 at 900 South and 400 East, facilitating easier passage for vehicles and pedestrians.

The project includes the construction of two new underpasses at 900 South and 400 East, which were not addressed in the previous environmental assessments. These underpasses will provide vital connections for various modes of transportation, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, and will significantly improve access to local schools, such as Heritage Elementary, Dixie High School, and Dixie Middle School. The anticipated increase in traffic on 700 South makes these improvements particularly timely and necessary.

In addition to the underpasses, the project will involve the realignment and installation of several utilities, as well as raising I-15 at 100 South and 700 South. This elevation is crucial for future plans to widen 700 South, which has faced financial hurdles in the past. The recent procurement of a federal grant has made it feasible to incorporate these costly changes into the project.

While a new interchange at 700 South is not part of the current project, its design remains a possibility for the future. The inclusion of the underpasses is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on 700 South, enhancing overall traffic flow in the area.

Public input is encouraged, with comments on the St. George improvement project accepted via email until July 7. For further inquiries, residents can visit the UDOT website dedicated to the I-15 Saint George project. This reevaluation represents a proactive step towards improving transportation infrastructure in Washington County, addressing both current needs and future growth.