$2.9 million refocused to rebuild infrastructure in Provo

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — A deteriorating bridge in Provo could be getting a facelift after UDOT and the Utah Transportation Commission decided to refocus $2.9 million Thursday to build “higher priority infrastructure.”

Residents of Provo are well-acquainted with the bridge at 820 North and 840 West. The bridge was originally built in 1960 to cross the Provo River. 64 years later, Provo City says the structure is nearing the end of its lifespan.

According to Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, bridge reconstruction is an “immediate safety concern” that the city is ready to pursue.

Officials with Provo City Public Works say the bridge exhibits a number of concerning issues, including deteriorating guardrails. Two years ago, the Mountainland Association of Governments allocated over $12 million in sales tax funds to reconstruct the bridge. Now the city will have access to funding that was part of the Provo North I-15 Interchange Study.

On Thursday, June 27, the Utah Transportation Commission unanimously voted to put the I-15 interchange expansion on hold in favor of remediating dilapidated infrastructure like the 820 North bridge.

Mayor Michelle Kaufusi of Provo commended UDOT on their decision due to benefits beyond just the bridge.

“In deciding how these funds will now be spent, I would urge you to consider using them to advance the Geneva Road project, whether by starting improvements or by refreshing that environmental study, as professionals may deem appropriate,” Mayor Kaufusi said in a press release Tuesday.

Mayor Kaufusi believes the I-15 interchange project is not as immediate of a need. “This is not a project that would get underway for perhaps 10-20 years, so this provides the pause necessary to consider the path forward carefully,” Mayor Kaufusi said.

Provo City says the enhanced designs will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists using the Provo River trail system.