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Legacy Parkway was put to the test this morning when a dump truck lost its load on I-15 in Davis County just before 8 a.m.
The accident ruined the morning commute for drivers on I-15 near 2300 North because it forced that portion of the freeway to close. But drivers who chose Legacy Parkway made it into Salt Lake with no problems. Drivers had more options than ever to avoid getting caught in the back-up.
A dump truck spilled its load of dirt, rocks and gravel. A car tried avoiding the mess but fishtailed in the gravel and hit a concrete barrier. The driver had only minor injuries.
Cpl. Terry Woodward of the Utah Highway Patrol said, "It could have been a lot worse, especially in this curve here during morning rush hour. Speeds are usually pretty high coming down into Salt Lake there, and so we're fortunate it ended as good as it did."
The southbound freeway was closed at the north interchange, and it caused heavy back-up for motorists trying to get out of Davis County. Drivers south of the north interchange were stuck for a bit, while drivers north of the north interchange had some options. Most took 2600 North to Redwood Road, but drivers north of that took 500 South in Bountiful to Legacy Parkway.
Adan Carrillo, spokesman for the Utah Department of Transportation, said, "We were glad Legacy [Parkway] was open and running like it was supposed to." It turned out to be a good option for those who hadn't already passed the exit to get there. Drivers further north had advanced warning.
Carrillo said, "We deployed our VMS (variable message sign) signs, our electronic board signs as far north as Riverdale, in the Ogden area, so commuters coming southbound knew they needed to take Legacy if they didn't want to get stuck on I-15."
UDOT said Legacy Parkway had exceeded its expectations during the week that it has been open. Carrillo said, "We thought it would take about 30 percent of the traffic of I-15. Right now, it's taking 33 to 34 percent of it. We're very proud, we're very happy."
Carrillo said built-in cameras along Legacy Parkway allowed UDOT to calculate those percentages and determine how many cars were on the new road.
UDOT expected the number of drivers using the Legacy Parkway to increase as drivers got used to having another option.
E-mail: corton@ksl.com
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com