June 13, 2002 (Cont'd) New I-15 project to clog commute Traffic could be backed up for 10 miles By MARK GRAY Standard-Examiner staff OGDEN - Traffic congestion in Weber and Davis counties is going to get worse. Much worse. Beginning July 8 and running through the end of September, the Utah Department of Transportation will reduce a 3 1/2 mile stretch of roadway on Interstate 15 to one lane each direction to accommodate a $5.5 million rehabil-itation project. Much like the nearly completed project on I-15 in Davis County, UDOT will rehabilitate and repair shoulders, bridges and potholes from 31st Street to 450 North in Marriott-Slaterville. Unlike the occasional delay in Davis County during times of heavy traffic, UDOT said possible hour-long delays from this upcoming project could back traffic up for 10 miles,- as far as the Davis Hospital and Medical Center for northbound traffic, or as far as the Box Elder-Weber County line for southbound traffic. "It's the same job we're doing in Davis County in a much tighter environment," said Andy Neff, UDOT's public involvement coordinator for the region. "There will be much heavier delays than you're seeing now ... roughly two-thirds worse." The transportation department has issued a list of preferred alternative routes for motorists. These include Washington Boulevard, Harrison Boulevard, Wall Avenue, 1900 West and Riverdale Road. Ironically, Wall Avenue and 1900 West are currently being worked on and con Tied up Traffic Standard-Examiner struction is scheduled to continue through October and 2003, respectively. "It's not the most ideal time to be doing this project," Neff said, "but it has to do with receiving funding from the Legislature. ... We have to use it when it's appropriated or we could lose it." "All the funding has just come up at the same time, he said. Besides listing alternate routes, UDOT will encourage drivers to avoid the area as much as possible, to car pool and leave early. That's not a problem for some drivers, but for others, it's a downright hassle. 42