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HIGHLAND — The SR-92 project between Highland and I-15 has been mired in problems since before it opened, and now the lead contractor is under fire for yet another: long, horizontal cracks in the soil nail wall that supports the ground along the main-line highway.
The Timpanogos Highway first found trouble during a series of delays that led to the road opening last fall, a year behind schedule. The Utah Department of Transportation has been penalizing Flatiron, the lead contractor on the project, for the delays. The department is now working with Flatiron to address the issue, according to spokeswoman Muriel Xochimitl.
"We have not reached the final acceptance on the project, so the contractor still has work to do," she said.
UDOT first became aware of the cracks a couple months ago and started looking into what needed to be done to fix the problem, according to Xochimitl. She said the wall is safe for commuters, but commuters are concerned about what the repairs will mean.
"I think it is unfortunate it wasn't done right the first time, and I am not really excited about going through the construction zone again," said commuter Kevin Carlisle.
The contractor is paying a hefty price, though: $15,000 a day until the work is done.
"Liquidated damages are assessed as invoices come in from our contractor, and at this point, we are at $4.5 million," Xochimitl said.
She said the impact on drivers will be minimal, despite the forecasted hassle, because the road is open "for the most part." Construction is due to begin in a few weeks, when weather is warmer.
Flatiron has not responded to multiple requests for comment by KSL.
