UDOT, UHP urge drivers to slow down in construction zones

SALT LAKE CITY —  The Utah Department of Transportation and Utah Highway Patrol are asking drivers to slow down in construction zones as they prepare to work on a major project this weekend

Reports of several close calls this summer had drivers at speeds of up to 100 mph in construction zones.

UDOT typically reduces the speed limit to at least 10 mph in construction zones. Crews work only a few feet from the road and distracted driving or speeding could result in disaster.

Weekend construction

The weekend of September 9 and 10, crews will be on northbound I-15 working on the West Davis Highway project. The freeway will be closed from Parrish Lane in Centerville to Park Lane in Farmington from Saturday at 11 p.m. to Sunday at 8 a.m.

Recent close calls 

According to UDOT,  in July a man was arrested after driving the wrong way at speeds up to 120 mph in the West Davis Highway work zone on I-15.

Police caught another driver on a dash camera speeding through closed lanes on I-15 at more than 100 mph while crews worked nearby. 

“We all want to go home to our families after work every night, just like you,” said Rex Harris, the UDOT West Davis Highway project director. 

The agencies ask drivers to use caution, stay alert, and reduce speeds when traveling through construction zones.

“We are seeing more and more drivers speeding through work zones,” said UHP Major Jeff Nigbur. “These higher speeds put crews at greater risk, especially when they are working so close to freeway traffic.

“In order to keep everyone safe, it’s important to follow the speed limits and pay extra attention when driving through work zones.”

Officials urge any who sees speeding or reckless driving in work zones to call 9-1-1.

Related:

• Trespassing on West Davis Corridor sites costing taxpayers millions
• “Life-changing” West Davis Highway begins construction
• UDOT gets green light to go forward with West Davis Corridor