City set to rebuild several local roads this summer
The majority of Salt Lake City’s roads are in serious need of repair. This week Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski held a media event to celebrate the summer construction and renovation of sections of eight city roads, the majority of which are in the city’s eastside neighborhoods.
“These projects will help us maintain a road network that is safe and sound for years to come,” said Matt Cassel, a city engineer in a statement. “While we realize construction delays and detours will be an inconvenience for travelers, we are committed to working safely and expediently to get in, get out and stay out once we get the job done.”
The city has allocated $5 million for the road repairs. According to the city, officials will focus on implementing preservation strategies such as overlays, which consist of applying a new layer of asphalt over pavements to seal their surface and prolong their lifespan, which they argue helps reduce costly maintenance repairs in the future.
Four east side roads will be repaved and two east side roads will be reconstructed. Just two west side roads will see immediate repairs, though the city recently reconstructed 900 West and work is underway on 400 South just west of the interstate.
Pavement Preservation Projects
- 1200 East: from 600 South to 800 South
- 1500 East: from 900 South to 1300 South
- 1700 South: from 1700 East to 1900 East
- 2100 East: from 1700 South to Parkway Avenue
Road Reconstruction Projects
- Genesee Avenue: from 900 West to 1000 West
- Simpson Avenue: from Wyoming Street to Broadmoor Street
- Wilmington Avenue: from 2000 East to 2100 East
- Gladiola Street: from 500 South to 900 South
Under the city’s Complete Streets Ordinance, any new road construction or reconstruction must include bike lanes. The $5 million allocated for the first round of road projects is separate from the new revenue expected from the recently approved sales tax increase that will also fund infrastructure projects.
Officials have made the details for the several of the road reconstruction projects available online and will publish additional details for other projects as those projects move forward.
The first two road reconstruction projects to start construction are the Gladiola and Genessee Avenue. The city will reconstruct Gladiola Street in the city’s industrial west side to accommodate large trucks. The city will also plan 40 new trees along the west-side street. The city will also reconstruct Genesee Avenue from 900 West to 1000 West to update sewer and drainage systems. The city will also expand the sidewalks on Genesee Avenue to improve pedestrian connections to the Jordan River and 9-Line Trail.
While not a complete road reconstruction, the city will build a landscaped median on a two-block stretch of 1200 East between 600 and 800 South.
