Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
FARMINGTON — Utah transportation officials and troopers are reminding drivers to slow down in work zones as they say there have been "several close calls" in recent months.
Troopers have seen "more and more" drivers speed through work zones this year, which puts construction crews at "greater risk" because they are already working close to major roadways, Utah Highway Patrol Major Jeff Nigbur said Thursday. Utah Department of Transportation officials add that vehicles are found traveling at "excessive speeds" every night.
Both agencies say I-15 by West Davis Highway Project has been the biggest problem area,
In July, a man was arrested after police said he was driving the wrong way at speeds up to 120 mph in the West Davis Highway work zone on I-15. Another driver was also recently found traveling more than 100 mph through closed lanes on I-15, according to UDOT. UHP trooper Joseph Citta said he also pulled a driver over for traveling 103 mph through the construction area in Farmington on Wednesday.
Rex Harris, the agency's West Davis Highway project director, points out construction workers are typically working within a few feet of barricades, so they are close to fast-moving vehicles. He said it's "scary" not knowing if the next driver will speed through the work zone or isn't paying attention.
"Every time I see it, it just makes me sick to my stomach thinking what could have happened," he said. "Fortunately, we haven't had anyone injured, but it could easily turn disastrous."
Nigbur said drivers should always follow speed limits and pay attention while driving, especially while traveling through work zones.
The agencies' message comes as I-15 is scheduled to close again for a short time this weekend with some impacts lingering into Monday.
UDOT is scheduled to close northbound I-15 between Parrish Lane in Centerville and Park Lane in Farmington from about 11 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday as crews work to pave sections of the freeway that will ultimately connect to the West Davis Highway. Traffic will be detoured onto Legacy Parkway throughout the closure.
Although the freeway will reopen Sunday morning, UDOT officials say it will be reduced to three lanes in the area through Monday afternoon. The West Davis Highway is slated to open next year.
Contributing: Katija Stjepovic
