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WEST JORDAN — Construction crews moved a new pedestrian bridge into place overnight in West Jordan. Once opened, the bridge should make it safer for children crossing a busy street on the way to area schools.
UDOT says U-111 at 8200 South was shut down for about three hours as crews moved the bridge. They still need to attach the ramps to the bridge. That will happen in a few weeks. But this move marks a huge milestone for UDOT and the community.
The bridge solves a critical safety problem. In the past, children have crossed the street at street level, where the speed limit is 50 mph.
A few weeks ago, local kids helped decorate the bridge by putting their handprints on it. Some families watched as it was unloaded and set up Wednesday night. They are relieved that it's almost done.
Resident Jennie Beckstead said, "It's going to be a big relief to have that bridge there and know that when those semis are laying on the horn that there's not going to be kids in the street."
UDOT engineer Marwan Farah said, "To see that involvement from the neighborhood, from the school, from the pedestrians, everyone else, is something we can be proud of for the neighborhood and the school system."
There are three schools in this area — Sunset Ridge Middle School, Oakcrest Elementary, and Fox Hollow Elementary — so a lot of children will potentially use this bridge.
The bridge was relocated from Bangerter Highway and 7800 South. Using a recycled bridge saved the state $750,000.
UDOT says the bridge will open for use in mid-September.
