Estimated read time: 1-2 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Department of Transportation has a new reason not to like a measure that would open high-occupancy vehicle lanes on Interstate 15 to all drivers at times other than rush hour -- cost.
According to the Standard-Examiner, UDOT says it would need to post 56 large signs to alert drivers to whether the lane is open to all or not. They say that would cost about $7 million.
Also, UDOT says it already has signed a $14 million contract to use the HOV lane as an electronic toll lane. The agency's deputy director, Carlos Braceras, said any changes to the plan would cost money to get out of the contract.
Sen. Karen Morgan, D-Salt Lake City, is the sponsor of SB 38. She questions the cost claims and is waiting for another analysis.
The Senate Transportation, Public Utilities and Technology Committee passed the bill by a narrow margin Tuesday. Morgan concedes the measure faces a tough fight in the Senate.
UDOT originally said it worried about confusion -- whether people would know for sure when to drive in the HOV lane. UDOT also said even if motorists were made aware, enforcement could be problematic.
