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WEST VALLEY CITY -- Transportation through the heart of West Valley City should run a lot smoother now that road crews have wrapped up a major overhaul of 3500 South.
The innovative project improves travel for motorists and people who ride the bus on 3500 South between Bangerter Highway and 2700 West. Project partners and local businesses are glad they finished the job eight months ahead of schedule.
"These types of projects improve the quality of life for the residents that travel through and access the businesses along this corridor. You'll spend more time where you want to be, and less time getting there," says Utah Department of Transportation Deputy Director Carlos Braceras.
Rep. Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley City, compares the finishing of this painful construction to the economy improving.
"We have a plan to get through the downturn. As long as stick to it, we'll be just fine," Bigelow says.
He told businesses things will get better now along 3500 South, just like the Utah economy will get better eventually too.
And those business owners couldn't be happier. More than 200 businesses depend on this corridor for commerce. During construction, traffic dropped off two-thirds, so they're more than ready to reap the benefits.
Mark and Karen Rabwin own a coffee business on 3500 South. They say several businesses folded during construction, despite the willingness of construction crews to help them with problems that arose.
"The businesses along the corridor rely a great deal on the traffic pattern, and we're really glad that it's open," Mark Rabwin says. "We think that they did a beautiful job."
Denise Woffinden, with Golden Corral, is glad the project is done
"It's just wonderful. I think people will be surprised by how good it looks. I think that now that people know it's open, business will pick up. There were some businesses that had to close, which was sad. So we're very excited to have this over," Woffinden says.
Crews started the $32 million job a year ago. They widened 3500 South to three lanes in each direction.
The project also added two lanes in the center for the Utah Transit Authority's first Bus Rapid Transit system in the state.
"It's like light-rail, but on rubber tires. If you can create a fixed guide way, or dedicated lane, they can move quickly and transport people much more quickly than a regular bus could," says UTA spokesman Gerry Carpenter.
The system is called MAX 2, and you can expect that service in the next few months.
"In this area, we'll actually have center platform boarding. Just like on TRAX downtown, you board in the middle of the street. For MAX, you'll also board in the middle of the street in this area," Carpenter says.
UTA says we'll see more MAX buses in the future. In fact, there's one in the works for Provo.
"The partnerships that we have with the Transit Authority are helping us deliver more projects at a better value for the public," Braceras says.
Several other routes opened to drivers Friday as well. The 2300 East on-ramp to westbound Interstate 80 reopened at 6 a.m.
UDOT tore the bridge down and replaced it several months ago, but crews still had to finish up some paving and landscaping work so they kept the ramp closed until Friday.
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Story compiled with contributions from Jed Boal and Mary Richards.
