Utah House approves design‑build authority for large highway projects, backing I‑15 rebuild

The Utah House on Feb. 26 approved House Bill 453, extending design‑build procurement authority to allow Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to deliver large, accelerated highway projects, most notably the planned I‑15 rebuild through Salt Lake County.

Sponsor Representative M. Bodley told colleagues the measure mirrors existing administrative rules but is designed to enable a single, integrated design‑build contract for large projects. He said the approach could cut the overall I‑15 program timeline by two to three years and save an estimated $100 million on the full program.

Opponents pressed for details about legislative oversight and how the state would cover the concentrated, up‑front costs. Representative Hayman asked whether the bill prescribes a financing plan; the sponsor said funding would follow the growth‑summit commitments, potentially including bonding, a motor‑fuel tax change or continued use of general‑fund dollars. "We can do it now and save money, or spread it out and pay more later," Bodley said in support.

Lawmakers also questioned whether the design‑build model would reduce committee or legislative review. The sponsor responded that funding decisions remain the primary point of legislative oversight and that the Transportation Commission and funding process would continue to prioritize projects.

After debate and a call for the previous question, the House voted to send HB 453 to the Senate, with the clerk recording 61 yes votes and 8 no votes. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as a time‑sensitive step to limit future construction disruption and long‑term costs for motorists and businesses; critics warned the body would need to resolve revenue sources before large contracts were let.

The bill now returns to the Senate for further consideration.