By DENISE PALMER
The shortest distance between two points may be a few exits away and around several detours during the I-15 construction. The I-15 team wants to keep the public informed, and drivers want to get to their destinations without any hassle.
Cyndee Privitt, media relations manager for the I-15 team, said they are working hard to keep the public aware of changes and closed roads during the construction.
'The main thing we're doing is working with the media to inform the public of alternate routes. We're working with the media, the Utah Highway Patrol and the Incident Management Team to provide information and safety tips to the public,' she said.
However, motorists are still frustrated trying to find their way around.
Privitt said they are continually working on improving the signage.
'Unfortunately, if you're not looking for them you may not see them. As you're coming you'll actually see signage of warnings to use an alternate route. People aren't used to watching the signage, but they're getting used to it. There's a lot of signage out there, but training the public to look for them is the hard thing,' she said.
Many frustrated motorists have turned to UTA to reach their destinations. Coralee Adler, who is in UTA Community Relations, said UTA has seen an increase of riders on their express from Provo to Salt Lake City. UTA is communicating with Utah Department Of Transportation on a regular basis so they can keep their customers informed.
'As soon as we know a schedule change or a route change we put them on flyers on the buses. Our concern is our customers. We could start our buses earlier, but that's more frustrating for people than the buses coming late,' she said.
The I-15 team has a toll-free number: 1-888-INFO-I15, and a web page: www.I-15.com which are updated daily. Privitt said that the media also has a lot of information about which ramps will be closed, and that motorists can avoid a lot of problems if they plan ahead.
'My best advice for drivers is to plan ahead and stay calm. Unfortunately it does get frustrating, but it will be an incredible road when it's done,' Privitt said.
The following roads are under construction or are closed:
- 7800 South at I-15 will have restricted lanes through July 11. Alternate route: 7200 South.
- 7200 South on-ramp to I-15 southbound will be closed through July 1998. Alternate routes: 5300 South, 9000 South, or I-215 at State St. on-ramp.
- I-215 southbound between I-80 and I-15 on the west side has the inside lanes closed through July 11.
- I-15 southbound between 2700 South and 4200 South has the inside lanes closed through July 12.
- I-15 northbound between 5000 South and 2700 South has the inside lanes closed through July 12.
- I-15 northbound between 2700 South and 1700 South has the middle and outside lanes closed through July 12.
- I-80 westbound to I-15 southbound will be closed to July 2001. Alternate routes: 3300 South or SR-201 eastbound to State St.
-I-15 northbound between 600 South and 900 West (1000 North) and southbound between 900 West (1000 North) and 500 South has traffic restricted to one lane through July 13. Alternate routes: Southbound 900 West to I-215 to I-80 East. Northbound 600 South off-ramp to 300 West to Back Street back onto I-15.
- 500 South on-ramp to I-15 northbound has a closed ramp through July 13.
- I-15 northbound between 1000 South and 1100 South has traffic reduced to one lane July 11 to July 12.