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UTAH COUNTY -- A major new roadway is on the eve of opening in Utah County. The new Pioneer Crossing will be open to traffic Monday morning.
The new road begins at Interstate 15 in American Fork. It will not only provide a new direct route to Saratoga Springs, but will end the headaches of driving on Lehi's Main Street.
As you drive the new Pioneer Crossing, you see a brand new highway that is a smooth ride between I-15 and Redwood Road. The roadway will give drivers in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs a new option.
"These communities have really grown up and are in need of more access to I-15, which is the main thorough fare to get people through Utah County," says Utah Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Thompson. "So we feel like this will be a great benefit in, not only those communities, but I think it will be a benefit for Lehi and American Fork."
The road includes a new overpass, which will take traffic over the railroad tracks near Mill Pond. The speed limit is 45 miles per hour, and it includes two lanes in each direction, along with a turn lane.
"Most of our projects are expanding existing roadways, and when we can actually add a new road -- and new capacity, and new lane miles -- it's very exciting for us to provide that to the community," Thompson says.
In conjunction with Pioneer Crossing, a new diverging diamond interchange will help the traffic flow between I-15 in American Fork and the road. It will be the first of its kind in Utah, and it's designed to help keep traffic flowing more smoothly through the interchange.
UDOT says drivers will have to pay close attention to the arrows and traffic signals.
"We have this with lane markings and signs, so it's very easy to follow. But we know it's going to be new, and it will be a change for people to go through the first few times," Thompson says. "But I think once people get used to it, they'll find it's very efficient and very easy to navigate."
UDOT crews are finishing up some odds and ends this weekend on the $264 million project. Several dignitaries will be on hand for the project's opening Monday morning, and the road will be completely open to traffic by 7:30 a.m. -- just in time for most people's morning commute.
E-mail: rpenrod@ksl.com
