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SALT LAKE CITY — Construction tied to Salt Lake City's 2018 "Funding Our Future" bond is beginning to wind down; however, not before a few remaining projects.
And one of the last projects is a big one.
Construction crews are set to start an overhaul of 2100 South at the heart of Sugar House's business district, 700 East to 1300 East, on Monday. The project will be carried out in phases and is expected to last through 2025, with a break during the holiday season next winter.
The construction work is expected to result in new growing pains for the fast-growing part of the city, which is why city transportation officials say they are trying to keep residents and businesses informed as it begins. To that end, they held a public open house about the project on Thursday, where residents and business owners were able to mingle with project leaders, contractors and other relevant organizations.
"One of the things that people can anticipate during construction is disruptions to their normal traffic patterns. There will be delays," said Salt Lake City engineer Mark Stephens. "Construction is a lot like going to the doctor. When you go to get the shot from the doctor or the nurse, they will tell you, 'Hey, you're going feel a pinch.'"
What the project does
The 2100 South Project is one of the bond's largest projects along with 300 West and 200 South. Salt Lake City transportation officials last year released their plans for the Sugar House road, which was designed with the help of more than 14,000 public comments.
The project calls for a redesign of the road to include raised medians and dedicated left-turn lanes to improve traffic flow. There will be new sidewalks on both sides, a shared-use path on the south side of the road and shorter crosswalks for the many people who walk around or ride their bikes in the area.
It also calls for a complete revamp of the road within the Sugar House Business District, including replacements of storm drains and water lines, while fiber, power and gas lines are relocated. Sod will be switched out low-water plants and improved irrigation, and while 27 trees will be removed, about 100 trees will be protected and 184 new trees will be planted.
Construction timeline
Some early construction work already took place on 2100 South, as Salt Lake City Public Utilities replaced a century-old sewage line underneath the road late last year. Some additional utility work carried into the start of this year.
But the project really begins on Monday. This is what's projected to happen:
- Concrete removal, replacement and landscaping work on 2100 South's north side, from 900 East to 1300 South, as well as storm drain work from 700 East to 800 East, will continue through the spring. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction through those areas.
- The road will remain reduced to one lane in each direction from 900 East to 1300 South as similar work is done on the south side of the road. That's also when crews will begin reconstructing the 2100 South intersection at 900 East.
- Work may continue into the fall before there's a break for the holiday shopping season. It's scheduled to resume in the spring of next year and continue through at least the summer as crews repair both sides of the road from 700 East to 900 East.
Crews need to work in a limited amount of space in the Sugar House district's narrow roads, bringing in equipment while also keeping traffic moving through the area — one of the biggest reasons for the project's long duration.
Drivers who don't have a destination on 2100 South are encouraged to use 1700 South or 2700 South as a detour to reduce traffic jams during the construction. Bus routes are expected to be tweaked in the area, but people who use transit could use the S-Line, also. Utah Transit Authority representatives say a project to extend the streetcar to Highland Drive and double track from 500 East to 700 East could begin this summer, as well, but it's unclear if that will have any impacts.
City officials also set up some ground rules for contractors. There can be some full intersection closures during the work, but those are only allowed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on any given day. Crews will also be required to allow for right-hand turns onto any of the road's many side streets during construction, and all of the work from McLelland Avenue to 1300 East must be done by November.
Stephens said anyone with questions or concerns should email the city at 2100southslc.org or call the project hotline at 801-406-1868. The city plans to post regular updates to its project website, too. Salt Lake City Councilwoman Sarah Young said regular updates are also provided at Sugar House Community Council meetings.
Various city agencies are also working to help out businesses in the area. Will Wright, a project manager for Salt Lake City's Department of Economic Development, said businesses within a ½-block of construction can receive up to $3,000 through the city's Construction Mitigation Grant. If approved by the city, the money allows businesses to market and promote themselves during the construction work.
This may include mapping and signage to guide people to their business. Wright said the city has adjusted its process to help businesses after headaches tied to other recent road projects.
"As we go, I feel like we've improved processes on every single project," he said. "We really want to keep driving customers to all of these great local businesses. They're all going to be open throughout the duration of the project."
Improving Sugar House
The project is slated to begin as crews have already started work to improve 1100 East north of 2100 South. Crews have already completed almost all of the work south of 2100 South, where the road turns into Highland Drive.
Young, who lives in and represents the neighborhood, said she understands the difficulties of every project, but she says they are necessary. The neighborhood has vastly changed over the past decade as new apartment complexes and buildings have been constructed.
That's why she's looking toward the long game, which may improve the ability to drive, bike or walk in the heart of Sugar House.
"It's to the benefit of all of our residents," she said. "We're definitely going to be in it as a community for a little while longer, but I think the ultimate outcome is worth it in the long run."
