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Brooke Walker ReportingTraveling through Utah County could be a slow ride this weekend. Crews will be working on the I-15 bridge over State Street in Lehi. It's part of the carpool connection project. The freeway is now down to just two lanes in each direction.
Expect about a 20-minute delay in both directions. While delays may not seem new to Utah County drivers, this weekend's delays should eventually help.
"It kind of sucks because you have slow drivers in the fast lane and you just want to get around them."
Whether you drive it or despise it, the carpool lane does its job. That's according to a recent study that evaluated Utah's HOV lane, looking at vehicle volume, occupancy and speed benefits.
Dr. Peter Martin, Director, Utah Traffic Lab: "In all criteria the lanes in Salt Lake County meet or exceed that criteria."
UDOT believes this new addition will have the same effect.
Bethany Eller, Utah Dept. of Transportation: "People commuting both out of Salt Lake County and into Utah County, and from Utah County into Salt Lake are going to find their commute times cut significantly."
But researchers worry the fix could be short-lived as Utah's population continues to soar.
Dr. Peter Martin: "They do reach a saturation point. They are just one tool in solving congestion. They don't solve all problems."
UDOT knows that and is currently studying other, more longterm options. In the meantime, this project should wrap up in July. So if drivers can suffer through this weekend, and the next couple of months, we should see improvement.
