An addition of a new auxiliary lane, a widened 12-ft shoulder and new conduit and utilities along Interstate 80 have improved safety and connectivity for Tooele Valley residents and commuters. Completed six months ahead of schedule with no rework, this project also included new overhead variable message and updated roadway signage. 

This project highlights how small changes can make a huge impact. It has significantly improved mobility in the area and provides a smoother, safer continuous auxiliary lane for the 40,000-plus motorists who drive the highway every day. The new auxiliary lane connects the off-ramp at SR-201 and the on-ramp to SR-36 in one continuous lane. These improvements will reduce travel delays following an accident by an estimated 60% to 80%. The additional lane also will reduce delays by up to five times in incidents where a westbound lane is blocked on the interstate between SR-201 and SR-36.

The team credits early identification of risk and collaborative issue resolution with its trade partners in helping achieve the early finish. The project removed unsuitable sections of the existing grade and replaced it with crushed concrete lines and geotextile high-strength fabric. 

More than 3,600 cu yd of concrete was repurposed to construct the new auxiliary lane. Because of the narrow footprint and right-of-way, crews also relocated three historical monuments to a new and improved viewing area.