Provo construction on streets such as University Parkway, 700 North, and University Avenue is all part of a project meant to improve road, transit, bicycle and pedestrian options, according to the project overview.
“As growth continues (in Provo and Orem), more vehicles, traffic and delays can be expected, unless we wisely plan and build a balanced transportation system that provides multiple options to meet the increasing demand,” the overview says.
The Provo Orem Transportation Improvement Project will add a new lane in each direction on streets such as University Parkway, generate newer and wider sidewalks, produce more bike lanes and create a brand-new bus rapid transit line.
This line, referred to as the BRT, will use both exclusive bus lanes and shared lanes to provide consistent and frequent service. It will feature station amenities similar to those found at TRAX stations, such as ticket vending machines, level-boarding platforms and high-end shelters, according to the overview.
The BRT line will connect Front Runner commuter rail with destinations such as BYU, the Missionary Training Center, the University Mall, the Provo Towne Center Mall, Utah Valley University and downtown Provo.
The line will have six stations, with pickups every six minutes during peak travel times and every 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak travel times.
Andy Neff, the project’s public involvement manager, said construction on the project began the summer of 2016 and is estimated to be finished by the end of the summer of 2018. Everything, including the BRT line, should be fully operational by early 2019, according to the project overview. Neff said 40 percent of the construction is already complete.
Neff said he wants all Education Week visitors “to be aware that there is construction along almost a 10-mile route in the main arteries of Provo and Orem.”
He warned drivers to be alert of workers on the streets and shifted and narrowed lanes in some areas.
According to the Provo Orem Transportation Improvement Project Facebook page, the roadwork is not expected to get in the way of businesses near the ongoing construction.
“Access and travel lanes will stay open to all your favorite businesses, restaurants and retailers regardless of the roadwork,” a post said.
For a weekly construction update on the project, click here.
