The future of Tooele City’s Main Street is more clear as the state moves into the planning phase of its long-anticipated 2015 redesign project.
A representative from the Utah Department of Transportation met with Tooele City officials last week to hash out some of the details of the estimated $25.5 million project.
A UDOT team over the project also met for the first time last week to begin finalizing the agency’s plan, which UDOT calls SR-36 Renewed, said Adan Carrillo, a spokesman for UDOT.
In addition to the main project — which will completely rebuild and resurface SR-36 from Three O’clock Drive to 1280 North in Tooele, rebuild storm drains in the same area, upgrade curbs and sidewalks, and resurface the road from 1280 North to 2000 North — UDOT is now looking at other details as well.
Possible improvements that may come with the upgrade include the installation of turn lanes throughout much of Main Street; the erection of a concrete median to prevent left turns on Main Street where the street passes through Tooele’s old downtown area near Vine Street; and on-street parking improvements in the downtown Tooele area.
Carrillo said UDOT is also working with the Utah Transit Authority to reevaluate the distribution of bus stops. They may be moved closer to intersections and pedestrian paths so that commuters do not have to cross Main Street to catch a bus. If the bus stops are relocated, it is possible the new stops may include benches and shelters.
Current plans call for construction to begin next April and UDOT has set a goal to finish construction in a single season.
Consequently, the project may result in some intermittent lane closures, even during business hours, though UDOT has pledged to maintain access to all businesses.
It is also possible that the reconstruction of the road and accompanying storm drain system may require the relocation of some utilities.
Because of the potential impact to residents, UDOT is planning to put significant effort into community outreach and communication, Carrillo said. Residents should receive fliers with maps of the construction areas, lane closure schedules and suggested alternative routes.
He also said UDOT plans to give a formal, public presentation on the project at an upcoming Tooele City Council meeting, and has plans to host several public open houses before construction begins.
Detailed information about the project, as well as information regarding who to contact for questions about the reconstruction, should soon be available on UDOT’s website at www.udot.utah.gov. The website’s “projects” section currently hosts a brief overview of SR-36 Renewed.