This project has been thrown around for years now, but we're finally close enough to construction I think it's time for this to get a thread.
Background: essentially, the West Davis Corridor is a future freeway in northwestern Davis County. It has been planned in some capacity since at least 1996, when it was included as part of the governor's Legacy Highway proposal (this also included what became the Legacy Parkway and Mountain View Corridor). A few planning studies were done in the 15 years following, but a draft EIS wasn't done until 2013. UDOT learned from the lawsuits that had plagued Legacy Parkway and engaged environmental groups early on, who naturally opposed the planned freeway and proposed a "shared solution" that would only widen existing roads and add transit. The good news is that a compromise was worked out. Similar to Legacy just to the south, the freeway will have dark sky lighting, noise reducing pavement, and ground-level construction, and there will be a new multi-use trail paralleling the new road. But unlike Legacy, from the beginning the speed limit will be 65 and trucks will be allowed.
The initial phase will build a 4-lane freeway northwest from I-15 and Legacy in Farmington to Antelope Drive in Syracuse, with additional interchanges at Shepard Lane, 200 North in Kaysville, 2700 West in Layton, and 2000 West in Syracuse. Beyond Antelope, it will continue as a super-2 to 1800 North in West Point. Construction is supposed to start this fall and last all the way through winter 2024.
Project website (https://westdavis.udot.utah.gov/)
I've emailed a liaison from UDOT's Region 1, who told me that this route will "NOT have an I designation" and in UDOT documents as part of SR-67; he even bet me a hamburger for it (whether I take it up that bet remains to be seen), as its still pretty early.
Quote from: Rover_0 on July 25, 2020, 02:41:30 AM
I’ve emailed a liaison from UDOT’s Region 1, who told me that this route will “NOT have an I designation” and in UDOT documents as part of SR-67; he even bet me a hamburger for it (whether I take it up that bet remains to be seen), as its still pretty early.
I don’t see how this can ultimately be numbered 67 without causing a lot of confusion, especially since a Glovers Lane terminus at 15/Legacy is confirmed now. It would have made more sense as a 67 extension if West Davis had ended at 15 around Shepard Lane, which was thrown around for a while before eventually being eliminated as a possibility.
Looking at the interchange configuration I don’t see how you can call West Davis a Legacy extension, especially because there is over 2 miles of existing Legacy between I-15/US 89/Park Lane and the future West Davis junction - so that would likely have to be renumbered as something else. If you did that, you’d be splitting one number between two distinct freeways and one freeway between two numbers.
Quote from: US 89 on July 25, 2020, 03:14:35 AM
Quote from: Rover_0 on July 25, 2020, 02:41:30 AM
I've emailed a liaison from UDOT's Region 1, who told me that this route will "NOT have an I designation" and in UDOT documents as part of SR-67; he even bet me a hamburger for it (whether I take it up that bet remains to be seen), as its still pretty early.
I don't see how this can ultimately be numbered 67 without causing a lot of confusion, especially since a Glovers Lane terminus at 15/Legacy is confirmed now. It would have made more sense as a 67 extension if West Davis had ended at 15 around Shepard Lane, which was thrown around for a while before eventually being eliminated as a possibility.
Looking at the interchange configuration I don't see how you can call West Davis a Legacy extension, especially because there is over 2 miles of existing Legacy between I-15/US 89/Park Lane and the future West Davis junction - so that would likely have to be renumbered as something else. If you did that, you'd be splitting one number between two distinct freeways and one freeway between two numbers.
My point exactly; I could see a split-ended SR-67, but that wouldn't make much sense either. I'm feeling that the West Davis Corridor gets a completely different number (not sure what, given UDOT's numbering of new numbers as of late).
Maybe I should take the UDOT rep up on his offer.
Update:
QuoteUDOT to build new $47M interchange in tandem with West Davis Corridor construction
Meanwhile, officials say another $47 million, major infrastructure project can be added to the list.
UDOT Program Manager Nathan Peterson said the state plans build a new Interstate 15 interchange at Shepard Lane in Farmington, which will also eventually connect to the WDC. Peterson said design work on the proposed interchange set to begin later this year and UDOT plans to coordinate construction to finish at the same time as the corridor.
https://www.standard.net/news/transportation/udot-to-build-new-47m-interchange-in-tandem-with-west-davis-corridor-construction/article_80b02abc-56c3-5474-8fec-6fc3083a4bd0.html
Is there any chance this roadway might be extended further north in the future, say, all the way to Interstate 84?
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on October 01, 2020, 03:37:29 PM
Update:
QuoteUDOT to build new $47M interchange in tandem with West Davis Corridor construction
Meanwhile, officials say another $47 million, major infrastructure project can be added to the list.
UDOT Program Manager Nathan Peterson said the state plans build a new Interstate 15 interchange at Shepard Lane in Farmington, which will also eventually connect to the WDC. Peterson said design work on the proposed interchange set to begin later this year and UDOT plans to coordinate construction to finish at the same time as the corridor.
https://www.standard.net/news/transportation/udot-to-build-new-47m-interchange-in-tandem-with-west-davis-corridor-construction/article_80b02abc-56c3-5474-8fec-6fc3083a4bd0.html
It's interesting that they're building a normal interchange on I-15 at Shepard, because several iterations of WDC proposals actually had it terminating at I-15 there (and such an alignment was preferred by the city of Farmington). The proposed south end was only finalized at Glovers after it was determined that a potential 15/WDC interchange at Shepard would be too close to the existing 15/89/Legacy/Park Lane interchange to meet safety guidelines.
To be honest, as far as I'm concerned it's inexcusable that there is still a four-mile gap between interchanges on that part of I-15 to begin with. I get that this area was more rural back when the interstates were first being planned, but it's been fully urbanized for a while now. An interchange at Shepard Lane probably should have been built 20 years ago, back when the Park Lane interchange was reconfigured for Legacy and the US 89 freeway was built. (with an interchange at Shepard, even!)
Looking at the shape of the I-15 east-side frontage road, I wonder if an interchange was ever planned at the Burton Lane overpass (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0133247,-111.9419621,15.77z) further north. Would have been almost exactly halfway between the Kaysville and north Farmington interchanges.
From UDOT News: UDOT SELECTS FARMINGTON BAY CONSTRUCTORS FOR WEST DAVIS HIGHWAY
(https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/2021/02/11/udot-selects-farmington-bay-constructors-for-west-davis-highway/)
Quote
UDOT has selected Farmington Bay Constructors to design and build the new 16-mile West Davis Highway. The $475 million construction contract makes this the department's largest current project.
Farmington Bay Constructors (FBC), a joint venture of Ames Construction, Wadsworth Brothers Construction, and Staker Parson Materials and Construction, was selected from a shortlist of three design-build teams. Design for the highway is now underway, and construction is expected to begin this spring, with expected completion in 2024.
"FBC has shown that they share UDOT's commitment to enhancing quality of life by keeping Utah moving," UDOT Project Director Rex Harris said. "Their proposal provided the best value through innovation, safety, quality, and reduced impacts to local communities — at a very competitive cost."
The West Davis Highway will improve access to and from I-15 for residents and businesses in western Davis County. It is expected to reduce congestion on local streets west of I-15 by 30 percent or more. The four-lane divided highway will run from I-15 in Farmington to 4500 West and the future extension of S.R. 193 in West Point, and includes six new interchanges.
A KSL news update on West Davis corridor construction came out on March 15, 2021:
https://kslnewsradio.com/1945083/udot-setting-up-for-building-west-davis-countys-new-freeway/
Quote
Utah Department of Transportation says crews will be working in the median of Legacy Highway in Farmington moving into place some heavy equipment, including a big crane to begin their work on the West Davis Corridor Project.
"West Davis is a new 16-mile, 4-lane divided highway project currently planned to be constructed in western Davis County. The first phase of construction will connect to I-15 & Legacy Parkway at approximately Glovers Lane in Farmington, extending west and north, terminating at 4500 West and the future extension of S.R. 193 in West Point," according to UDOT's website. ...
UDOT says the ultimate goal of the corridor is to provide an alternative for those living in Davis and Weber county's west side.
"By 2040, the number of homes in western Davis and Weber counties will increase by 65%. This growth is expected to increase travel delays in this area by 62%, even with all other planned projects. West Davis will help address the growing population and meet future transportation needs."
According to their website the current project budget is an estimated $800 million.
SM-G975U
This is great, I wish Idaho could build new freeways even half as fast as Utah does. Eg. the ID-16 corridor between Meridian and Nampa has no timetable to resume construction south of US-20/26 (the most recent segment, fairly short with no interchanges, opened in 2014). Despite being much larger metro areas than Boise, I have never run into freeway traffic when I visit the SLC/Ogden areas. Now, when will Utah allow greater than 65 MPH on non-interstates?
Quote from: doorknob60 on March 19, 2021, 03:06:14 PM
This is great, I wish Idaho could build new freeways even half as fast as Utah does. Eg. the ID-16 corridor between Meridian and Nampa has no timetable to resume construction south of US-20/26 (the most recent segment, fairly short with no interchanges, opened in 2014). Despite being much larger metro areas than Boise, I have never run into freeway traffic when I visit the SLC/Ogden areas. Now, when will Utah allow greater than 65 MPH on non-interstates?
Very interesting that you say this as I've said the same about wishing Utah would build its freeways as fast as Arizona did the rest of Loop 202. :-D
https://www.standard.net/news/local/as-layton-moves-forward-with-parkway-extension-officials-say-eminent-domain-last-resort/article_41bcb394-3cc1-5c83-a7ca-31187700ac6f.html
QuoteLayton City continues to press forward with a project to extend the Layton Parkway, a process that now includes a City Council-approved provision to use eminent domain.
But city officials say condemnation is a last resort measure and one that's highly unlikely.
On March 5, the Layton City Council approved a resolution that authorizes a contract agreement between the city and Leon Poulsen Construction Co. for a project that involves extending the Layton Parkway and completing a host of street improvements near the Layton Parkway and 2700 West area.
Terry Coburn, Layton Public Works director, said then the project includes the installation of new asphalt, curb and gutter, sidewalk, water line, sewer and storm drain pipe and more. Coburn said the city received six bids on the project, with Poulsen submitting the lowest number at $6.36 million.
The project is tied to the impending West Davis Corridor construction. Soon, the Utah Department of Transportation will start mainline construction on the $750 million project, which involves a four-lane divided highway that will be built through western Davis County between the Interstate 15 and Legacy Parkway junction at about Glovers Lane in Farmington, extending north to the future extension of State Route 193 in West Point. ...
As part of that massive endeavor, a grade-separated interchange will be built at 2700 West in Layton.
Crane said the city began notifying individuals involved as early as last summer and with appraisals recently completed, the city is now negotiating prices for the land they will need. Crane said much of the land in the pathway of future construction is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but there are also some other citizens involved.
"We will continue to do that until we've had the opportunity of acquiring property ... through negotiation," Crane said of the city's current land acquisition process. "It is never the intent of the city to proceed with condemnation. Could it occur? Absolutely, it could occur. But will it occur? ... Based on my experience with the acquisitions that have occurred in the past, it's not likely."
Crane said state law requires cities to adopt a provision that authorizes condemnations during situations like the one the city is facing with the parkway extension. He said there is a multi-step process that involves property owners having access to the state ombudsmen, followed by mediation and, if necessary, litigating the matter in court. If a property acquisition does make it to court, the only issue that would be adjudicated through a trial is the cost to purchase a particular piece of land, not whether or not property is maintained by owner.
SM-G975U
According to the UDOT Facebook group, the West Davis Highway will be designated SR 177.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/westdavishighway/permalink/1049247655603654/?comment_id=1049931038868649
Quote from: US 89 on April 29, 2021, 10:12:51 PM
According to the UDOT Facebook group, the West Davis Highway will be designated SR 177.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/westdavishighway/permalink/1049247655603654/?comment_id=1049931038868649
At this rate, there may never be a new 1- or 2-digit state route designated, and I'm not exactly sure why. Could UDOT be holding those numbers for something else, or what?
Quote from: Rover_0 on April 30, 2021, 10:32:53 AM
Quote from: US 89 on April 29, 2021, 10:12:51 PM
According to the UDOT Facebook group, the West Davis Highway will be designated SR 177.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/westdavishighway/permalink/1049247655603654/?comment_id=1049931038868649
At this rate, there may never be a new 1- or 2-digit state route designated, and I’m not exactly sure why. Could UDOT be holding those numbers for something else, or what?
I mean we have 67 for Legacy, 85 for Mountain View, and 7 for Southern Parkway all within the past 15 years, so it’s not like they’ve totally abandoned the concept...
If I had to guess I think it’s more that UDOT is assigning numbers in the upper 17x range to new corridors in the greater Wasatch Front area these days - think 175 (114th South), 176 (Vineyard Connector) and 179 (Midvalley Highway).
Quote from: US 89 on April 30, 2021, 05:47:56 PM
Quote from: Rover_0 on April 30, 2021, 10:32:53 AM
Quote from: US 89 on April 29, 2021, 10:12:51 PM
According to the UDOT Facebook group, the West Davis Highway will be designated SR 177.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/westdavishighway/permalink/1049247655603654/?comment_id=1049931038868649
At this rate, there may never be a new 1- or 2-digit state route designated, and I'm not exactly sure why. Could UDOT be holding those numbers for something else, or what?
I mean we have 67 for Legacy, 85 for Mountain View, and 7 for Southern Parkway all within the past 15 years, so it's not like they've totally abandoned the concept...
If I had to guess I think it's more that UDOT is assigning numbers in the upper 17x range to new corridors in the greater Wasatch Front area these days - think 175 (114th South), 176 (Vineyard Connector) and 179 (Midvalley Highway).
That was a partly tongue-in-cheek remark, but it feels like most of the routes designated after SR-85 have been triple-digit numbers. It makes me wonder if UDOT is holding onto lower numbers for a reason other than to use up clusters of higher numbers.
We'll have to wait and see how the patterns change as new routes come into the state system.
Update:
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/05/25/after-bumps-along-way-its/
From this map: https://gatewaymapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=aabf15b4314d4efa9969df9f9541ee47, it appears The West Davis Corridor will terminate at Exit 321 on Interstate 15, and Exit 10 on UT 67. Also, I've read that the WDS is planned to extended further north in the future (long-range), reconnecting with Interstate 15 around the Willard Bay Reservoir: https://www.standard.net/news/transportation/after-decade-of-planning-and-prepping-construction-begins-on-west-davis-corridor/article_431e556b-345a-5cb5-b63d-39e54dd0e21f.html. However, that doesn't seem likely anytime soon.
https://youtu.be/mQLRpllEsKU
From EW:
https://www.equipmentworld.com/better-roads/article/15065981/utah-building-new-800m-west-davis-highway-to-tackle-growth
Article from Transport Topics on the West Davis Corridor
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/utah-dot-begins-construction-new-highway
QuoteThe West Davis Highway will run from I-15 near Glovers Lane in Farmington to the future extension of state Route 193 in West Point. Six interchanges will be built to link I-15 and local roads in Farmington, Kaysville, Layton and Syracuse.
According to UDOT, a future phase of the project is planned to extend the highway farther in West Point. In the long term, the West Davis Highway will extend through Weber County and connect back to I-15. However, no funding or environmental process has been planned for the extension beyond West Point.
In an effort to transport people as well as vehicles, the project will add 10 miles of trails and connect several existing regional trails for recreational users and bicyclists.
The article estimates the cost at $757 million.
SM-G975U
Realized I never got around to posting this here. It sounds like they might be able to get this open before the new year:
KSL Newsradio -
The West Davis Highway is set to finish early (https://kslnewsradio.com/2043674/the-west-davis-highway-is-set-to-finish-early/)
QuoteSALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Transportation construction crews have been working hard for more than two years on a new stretch of highway in West Davis County.
That hard work is paying off as UDOT now anticipates that the highway will be finished well ahead of schedule and that the roads may be able to be used before the new year, which could potentially mean reduced delays this holiday season.
"We've been saying that we hope to have the project finished in 2024, but I think that with all the progress that we've been making, the new, adjusted goal here is by the end of his year," said UDOT's Director of Public Relations John Gleason.
This would put the new West Davis Highway opening almost six months earlier than predicted.
Utah seems to be one of the few places where projects like this can actually get done without massive delays and cost overruns. Last time I was out there, I was shocked at how much progress had been made specifically at the I-15 interchange. I'll be in Utah over Christmas and New Years, so if this is open by then, I'll be sure to drive it and get some photos.
On Google Maps Satellite View, it is easy to trace the future alignment of the UT 177/West Davis Corridor between Interstate 15 and UT 193. Although a further extension of the WDC is possible, it would likely require further environmental studies and a great deal of funding to make it a reality.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on November 03, 2023, 06:59:47 PM
On Google Maps Satellite View, it is easy to trace the future alignment of the UT 177/West Davis Corridor between Interstate 15 and UT 193. Although a further extension of the WDC is possible, it would likely require further environmental studies and a great deal of funding to make it a reality.
The north limit of the 2017 EIS was 1800 North in West Point (SR 37), so funding would be the only thing needed to extend it to there from its soon-to-be endpoint at 193.
It looks like it will open January 6th!
https://kslnewsradio.com/2063967/the-west-davis-corridor-will-open-earlier-than-expected/
Getting closer! UDOT is currently working on putting up new signs along the West Davis Corridor.
https://kutv.com/news/local/first-overhead-sign-raised-on-new-west-davis-highway-corridor-ahead-of-january-opening-farmington-west-point-exit-1a-sign-trail-construction-udot
It's unfortunate that someone died while they were constructing the West Davis Corridor: https://kutv.com/news/local/udot-i-15-construction-crane-collapse-worker-identity-released-farmington-utah-department-of-transportation-west-davis-corridor.
Quote from: US 89 on November 03, 2023, 06:33:13 PM
Utah seems to be one of the few places where projects like this can actually get done without massive delays and cost overruns. Last time I was out there, I was shocked at how much progress had been made specifically at the I-15 interchange. I'll be in Utah over Christmas and New Years, so if this is open by then, I'll be sure to drive it and get some photos.
Utah is perhaps the best run state in the country. They take an actual balanced approach to transportation, the Salt Lake area's light rail network has equaled the much lauded Portland's in size, despite Portland having a many years head start. But Utah also understands that growing areas will still need a growing road network, too.
No state is perfect, but I've long been impressed with how Utah has handled growth.
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on December 26, 2023, 08:06:22 PM
Quote from: US 89 on November 03, 2023, 06:33:13 PM
Utah seems to be one of the few places where projects like this can actually get done without massive delays and cost overruns. Last time I was out there, I was shocked at how much progress had been made specifically at the I-15 interchange. I'll be in Utah over Christmas and New Years, so if this is open by then, I'll be sure to drive it and get some photos.
Utah is perhaps the best run state in the country. They take an actual balanced approach to transportation, the Salt Lake area's light rail network has equaled the much lauded Portland's in size, despite Portland having a many years head start. But Utah also understands that growing areas will still need a growing road network, too.
No state is perfect, but I've long been impressed with how Utah has handled growth.
Pfft. Utah is ugly now. Sprawl everywhere. Yes, Trax is great, but it's getting harder and harder to find Zion in that polluted mess.
Quote from: Rothman on December 26, 2023, 08:41:39 PM
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on December 26, 2023, 08:06:22 PM
Quote from: US 89 on November 03, 2023, 06:33:13 PM
Utah seems to be one of the few places where projects like this can actually get done without massive delays and cost overruns. Last time I was out there, I was shocked at how much progress had been made specifically at the I-15 interchange. I'll be in Utah over Christmas and New Years, so if this is open by then, I'll be sure to drive it and get some photos.
Utah is perhaps the best run state in the country. They take an actual balanced approach to transportation, the Salt Lake area's light rail network has equaled the much lauded Portland's in size, despite Portland having a many years head start. But Utah also understands that growing areas will still need a growing road network, too.
No state is perfect, but I've long been impressed with how Utah has handled growth.
Pfft. Utah is ugly now. Sprawl everywhere. Yes, Trax is great, but it's getting harder and harder to find Zion in that polluted mess.
I got to Zion several times a year and I have zero clue what you're talking about.
Utah is beautiful. SLC is beautiful. To each their own.
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on December 26, 2023, 10:31:46 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 26, 2023, 08:41:39 PM
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on December 26, 2023, 08:06:22 PM
Quote from: US 89 on November 03, 2023, 06:33:13 PM
Utah seems to be one of the few places where projects like this can actually get done without massive delays and cost overruns. Last time I was out there, I was shocked at how much progress had been made specifically at the I-15 interchange. I'll be in Utah over Christmas and New Years, so if this is open by then, I'll be sure to drive it and get some photos.
Utah is perhaps the best run state in the country. They take an actual balanced approach to transportation, the Salt Lake area's light rail network has equaled the much lauded Portland's in size, despite Portland having a many years head start. But Utah also understands that growing areas will still need a growing road network, too.
No state is perfect, but I've long been impressed with how Utah has handled growth.
Pfft. Utah is ugly now. Sprawl everywhere. Yes, Trax is great, but it's getting harder and harder to find Zion in that polluted mess.
I got to Zion several times a year and I have zero clue what you're talking about.
Utah is beautiful. SLC is beautiful. To each their own.
Zion in the Utah Mormon sense, not national park sense, silly man.
Go up the Church Office Building and see the smog below you. It's horrifying.
Regarding SLC, sure, right around Downtown and out to the U is nice. Get much south and west of there and it becomes quite apparent why the LDS Church had to step in and save the place by buoying up the City Creek development.
And anyone that says the I-15 corridor from Brigham City to American Fork is beautiful is just looking past the sprawl at the mountains. Same rule goes for a lot of Appalachia: Sure, it's beautiful, if you keep looking up and not at what's right around you.
Ah. I believe a lot of that is due to worsening conditions at the Salt Lake. That is going to become a serious issue if they can't find a fix.
Quote from: Rothman on December 26, 2023, 11:05:04 PM
Regarding SLC, sure, right around Downtown and out to the U is nice. Get much south and west of there and it becomes quite apparent why the LDS Church had to step in and save the place by buoying up the City Creek development.
I could not disagree more with this statement. I just went to Fashion Place Mall down in Murray today to return some Christmas gifts that were the wrong size and the place is
thriving. South Towne down in Sandy is similar. There is less money in places like West Valley/Kearns or the western SLC neighborhoods so of course it won't look as nice or new in those areas. Crime there is high by Utah standards but is by no means out of the ordinary for a medium-to-large sized metro.
Also, you are grossly overestimating the role the LDS church has played in the city itself in recent years. City Creek has brought some increased pedestrian traffic to the northern downtown core, sure, but its effect on anything more than two or three blocks from it is almost nothing. Aside from the Gateway mall, which was doing absolutely fine before City Creek opened and ruined it by stealing almost all of its stores and customers. (A lot of my childhood memories were made at that mall, so seeing its downfall has been hard and sad for me, but that's beside the point here.) In the southern, more business oriented portion of the downtown core, there's been all kinds of business investment from companies like Goldman Sachs that has had at least as much or greater influence in further urbanizing the downtown than anything the Mormon church has ever done. This has been going on since the end of the Great Recession.
The last decade has turned SLC into a much more cosmopolitan city. I'm not saying it's something like Denver level, but it's far more than what it used to be. So in that sense, I guess it is less of a "Zion" simply because it's more diverse than homogeneous Mormonland. If you want that, you can go down to Utah County, which is basically one giant 700k population Mormon suburb, but even they are getting some real development with Silicon Slopes type activity around Lehi. On the other side, the Ogden/Weber/north Davis area has had diversifying influences for a long time in the form of the Air Force base and Freeport Center.
Outside of downtown SLC... yes, the Wasatch Front sprawls. So what? It's no different than literally any other significant American metropolitan region. And unlike the vast majority of such metro areas, you're just 30 minutes or less from truly beautiful hikes and nature in the mountains.
And as I have mentioned before on here, the winter inversions and associated smog in the valley are a problem maybe 15 days at most out of 365 days of the year. Visit SLC anytime not in December or January and it will hardly be an issue. You might find some wildfire smoke on a handful of summer days in some years if you're unlucky, but that is generally coming from fires in California or Oregon and so affects the entire western half of the US.
By all means, keep talking bad about the area - that way, less people move here and the rapidly ballooning cost of living might be kept somewhat in check...
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on December 27, 2023, 02:18:48 AM
Ah. I believe a lot of that is due to worsening conditions at the Salt Lake.
Not at all. The lake itself declining may cause some wind blown dust issues along with whatever chemicals have been discharged into it over the years in the future, but that's got nothing to do with anything else brought up here.
Sandy? Murray? Those are suburbs (the former the home of my in-laws). I was talking about SLC proper.
I don't think I overestimate the role of the LDS Church in keeping downtown SLC alive at all. Anyone who walked outside of Temple Square to the south and west could see things were going kaput back then. Again, that's the only reason why the Church stepped in: Temple Square is a huge tourist attraction and missionary tool for the Church and having urban decay on its front door was unacceptable. There was some controversy within the Church about where the funding was coming from (not earthshattering, but some muttering). And, SLC is better off for it, having personally seen how the immediate area has changed before and after the Church's influx of development funding.
Still, to call the Valley "beautiful," I'd just reiterate what I said earlier. The poor air quality out there is not restricted to the days of heavy inversions. Anyone who is saying pollution is not a major issue in Utah is dismissing the medical professionals that have appeared on KSL claiming that they are encouraging people with kids not to move to the area. I've got cousins-in-law with kids that have moved out to the fringes of the suburbs in attempts to help their kids breathe (asthma, irritated more by the pollution).
Regarding the toxic Great Salt Lake bed, we shall see if the dire predictions made in whatever highly publicized article it was come to fruition. The pollution's already there in Utah; have to say I'd be a little amused if the toxic dust makes the place unliveable after hearing talk after talk on the "great, fertile valley prepared by the Lord" and whatnot. The irony would just be too great.
It opened today:
https://www.fox13now.com/traffic/new-davis-county-highway-opens-aiming-to-ease-traffic
https://x96.com/news/todd-nuke-em-reviews-the-new-west-davis-corridor-yes-this-is-a-review-of-a-road/
Drove it today. It was everything that had been promised and actually provides some really nice views of the plains and wetlands that line the eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake. As one might guess, the feel is quite similar to Legacy Parkway, but without the fancy overpass designs and red painted gantries. Otherwise, it looks and drives like a typical Utah freeway. Will upload some pictures when I get a chance.
Interestingly, the northern end at 193 is signed as "Exit 15", even though there is no exit at all. Right now and for the near future, 177 will simply default into eastbound 193, but it looks like grading is underway to extend 193 further west relatively soon. Looks like the infrastructure is in place to put a traffic signal at the 177/193 intersection once that happens. Reminds me of "Exit 24B" on Mountain View in SLC, which is a left turn across oncoming traffic.
(Side note: that would be the fourth extension to 193 in less than 10 years. Since 2015, the west end has been extended from State St/126 to 2000 West/108, 3000 West, and now 177, with another extension to 4500 West/110 in the works. I'd imagine nearby 107 gets outright decommissioned once that happens.)
Although we've been calling this the West Davis Highway/Corridor for years now, that name is not signed anywhere and the whole road is only ever referred to as SR 177. Which is fascinating, because apart from the interstates, I cannot think of a single other new-terrain urban freeway or expressway in the state that didn't get a name in addition to its number. We've had things like Legacy (67), Mountain View (85), Bangerter (154), Midvalley Highway (179), 2100 North (194), and even Southern Parkway (7). SR 201 I'm not counting since that was almost entirely an in-place upgrade of a surface highway that was there before, like the freeway components of US 89.
Also of note, the new BGS on northbound Legacy approaching the new 177 exit are all in Highway Gothic, which I believe is the first use of the traditional typeface on the Legacy mainline. That was the one road in the state that UDOT ever used Clearview on.