PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — Construction is set to begin on the University Avenue Bridge in Provo on Wednesday.
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) said that the project will replace the aging structure with a modern bridge, designed to better serve drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
“This bridge is a vital connection for both Provo residents and regional travelers,” UDOT Project Manager Andy Spencer said. “Because of how crucial this road is, the new design will focus on enhancing safety and mobility while creating a more comfortable experience for everyone who uses it.”
University Avenue Bridge construction. Courtesy: UDOT
UDOT said that key features of the bridge include:
Two lanes in each direction for reliable traffic flow
Dedicated six-foot bike lanes in each direction to improve cyclist safety
New, wider, eight-foot sidewalks on each side for pedestrians
A 12-foot, multi-use trail on the west side connecting 500 South and 600 South for community access
Improved sight lines for drivers, making travel safer
A 10-foot-tall protective fence over the railroad tracks.
There will be no traffic impacts until late-October.
UDOT says construction will be completed in two phases over the next two years: the west side of the bridge and the east side. Work will begin on the west side.