Utah’s I-15 Corridor project approved

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In late August, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) officials signed a Record of Decision providing final clearance of the environmental review for Utah’s plans to build the I-15 Corridor in Utah County. The state can now begin right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction. The project is part of an 840-mile route connecting San Diego to Salt Lake City that was chosen last year as one of six "Corridors of the Future" by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"Residents of growing communities in Utah and southern Salt Lake counties are eager for more transportation capacity to ease trips to and from work, school, and home," said U.S Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). "Among the several projects to add roadway and transit options for travelers in the region, this I-15 expansion is critical. It’s good to see the effort moving along."

While the environmental review process for a project this size typically takes seven to eight years, the review for this project was completed in less than four. The project’s current environmental review began with publication of its notice of intent in the Federal Register on Sept. 2, 2004.

"The savings in time achieved on this project so far underscores the benefits of the President’s environmental streamlining process," said FHWA Administrator Tom Madison.

The I-15 project, which includes widening and reconstruction of 43 miles of highway with 22 interchanges, extends north from the South Payson interchange in Utah County to 123rd South Interchange in Salt Lake County. When completed, the project will relieve area traffic congestion and improve safety. A locally funded commuter rail project is already under way to complement the congestion relief this project will bring to the Utah County corridor.