|
WINNER: Innovative Management – Medium Project Sometimes the work of fixing a road can cause enough disruption to devastate local businesses. But the Utah Department of Transportation’s innovative use of movable traffic barriers and aggressive public information campaign helped make the critically needed SR 171 – 3500 South Reconstruction project a success for drivers who use the road and the businesses that depend on it. The $41 million project rebuilt 1.2 miles of urban arterial – converting it from a 5-lane road into an 8-lane boulevard that serves as the major east/west transportation corridor for the Salt Lake Valley carrying between 38,000 and 48,000 vehicles daily. UDOT used innovative approaches to maintain traffic flow during construction including moveable barriers were used to provide 2 lanes of travel in the peak direction. The moveable barrier was relocated twice a day to establish the needed lane configuration. This approach allowed the contractor to perform work on large portions of the roadbed while still providing the needed traffic capacity. Community Coordination Teams (CCT) involved business owners, residents and community leaders in project decisions and updates. Special efforts were put into keeping the community informed of project progress and planned impacts. These innovative approaches allowed UDOT and its partners – including West Valley City and Utah Transit Authority – to deliver the project 7 months ahead of schedule and $6 million dollars under budget. |
|
America's Transportation Awards 