I use this every day (entering the freeway from East Center SB and exiting NB to go East on Center) and it is the most poorly designed engineering I've ever seen. Exiting I-15 North bound and criss-crossing with people coming from E. center street WITHIN A FEW HUNDRED FEET is the most stressful part of my daily commute. I can't imagine this coupled with snow...This was not designed for "current and future traffic needs." I wish the engineers had to drive this everyday. Thanks, guys.
I rarely rant like this...As a Provo resident, I really tried to open-minded about this until some real progress was made. Now that I've had a chance to use it, the extremely limited road distance for two traffic streams to merge and criss-cross on the North bound exit/entrance is just unreasonable and ridiculous. Instead of making traffic flow more user-friendly, you've really made it a pure nightmare. Besides the turn around, are there any improvements scheduled to fix this?
@ehoff30 I've talked with the project and they're not quite sure what you are referring to. They thought you were speaking of the northbound off-ramp that passes the westbound traffic leaving Provo on the new bridge and if so, that is the final configuration. I would be happy to obtain additional information if you can give me more details, or you are welcome to contact the project directly using i15core@utah.gov
@tekettle there is an animation available for the new U.S. 6 and Spanish Fork Main Street interchange available. You can view it by visiting our Channel or the I-15 Core Playlist.
Who are the nincompoops that approved this interchange? Slowing Southbound I-15 thru traffic, that would have normally gone directly to the flyover, by diverting it to a stop light. That is not very bright. Westbound to I-15 South is diverted through a ridiculous "Texas U-Turn with a yield sign. Why didn't they make a flyover to the Southbound I-15? Westbound Center St. was able to go directly onto I-15 Northbound without a stop. Now they have to stop. Stupid, to slow traffic like that.
@bidetguy the new interchange was designed this way to meet current and future traffic needs in the area. They also designed the interchange in conjuction with future development plans Provo City has while also keeping in mind the geographic constraints, such as the railroad tracks. Signal timing will be important and will be set to provide more time for the northbound on-ramp and the southbound off-ramp.
I have heard differing answers on the subject of pedestrian access from west of I15 into Provo. Can I get specific answers on where pedestrians will be able to cross? And one of those answers really needs to be "Pedestrians will be able to cross the I-15 corridor very close to the existing Center Street viaduct," because it is ludicrous to expect people to traipse over 5 blocks out of their way, unless the plan is to keep nasty pedestrians out of town.
@inprovo1 the pedestrian walkway will follow the westbound lanes from east Center St. over the railroad tracks, then follow along the east side of north facing traffic. There will be a signalized crosswalk going under I-15 to the west side of Center St. and will connect with the existing sidewalk on the southwest side of the interchange at 1600 W. You can check out a map on the I-15 CORE website
Traffic light timing in all of Utah fails compared to major cities around the nation. In most areas the lights are timed so that once you turn onto a major street and make it through one light, you are able to travel at or slightly below the speed limit and have green lights the rest of the way! Traffic in those cities moves in waves without numerous stops. Here in Provo it takes up to 25 minutes to drive from my home west of I-15 to my workplace at the state hospital, just 3.3 miles away.
@rdhathcock I'm sorry you feel that our signal timing fails. Our engineers work hard to assure that each intersection performs well for motorists. They set timing to favor green for the majority of traffic flow during peak times however it is important to allow motorists at cross streets access as well. If there is a particular intersection you have noticed a problem with I would be happy to let the signal crew know so that they can take a look. You can contact then at trafficsignals@utah.gov
@UtahDOT During off hours, early morning or late night, signal timing is horrible. I've sat at University Ave/University Pkwy for literally 8-9 minutes at 4:30 a.m. on my way to work. At Canyon Rd/Helaman Halls, my friend got out of the car and was able to run 3 blocks home before I even crossed the line. And two where I have witnessed people run the red lights from frustration are at 900 E/900 N and 2230 N/University Pkwy). A simple sensor to change would reduce emissions and increase safety!
@bostongdl08 I spoke with our Signal Systems Engineer and he would like to look further into the vehicle sensor problems you are experiencing at University Avenue and University Parkway at 4:30 a.m. Can you tell us what direction of travel you are going? This will help him know which direction the vehicle sensors need to be re-calibrated.
@UtahDOT and the extra light that was added where the southbound exit is now, will that remain. It currently is only several feet from the 1600 W light, which is why there is such a problem. Will that remain?
@drnewberry on the west side of the interchange there will be a signal at 1600 W. and at the bottom of the southbound off-ramp. There will also be a signal on the east side of the interchange to control traffic from east Provo heading to westbound Provo Center Street. All of the signals shown in the animation will be in place at project completion.
Please tell me this is not to scale. As a resident of a neighborhood just south of Center Street and west of I-15, this appears to make my commute into downtown Provo a real headache-- this makes it look like I will actually have to drive south to go east and then north to go west when I just live on the other side of the street. And it doesn't show the traffic lights, such as the one at 1600 W that currently is a nightmare with the changes made thus far. What about the lights at 1600W 900 W?
@drnewberry the signals at 1600 W. and 900 W. will remain after construction and will be programmed to help move traffic through the area. I'm sorry the signal timing right now is causing problems. During construction they are timed to balance the volume of traffic with the work. Once construction is complete they will be reprogrammed to help move traffic as efficiently as possible.
I can see the wisdom in this plan. It also allows for some growth around the area and definitely improves safety. I have seen so many access on the bridge that goes over the train tracks and under I-15. Thanks for all your hard work and the awesome video!
I won't lie, I was secretly hoping for something like they did at Pioneer Crossing - that is so cool. Obviously this is more practical though.
@shafnitz @jelbde This is probably just due to the fact that Provo had to have its hands in the design because, as everyone knows, Provo can't really handle anything growth-related very well! (Also, Utah drivers suck at "merging" so this should be a super-safe interchange...haha) @UtahDOT Are we sure signal timing is possible in Provo? Any other high-traffic areas in Provo that have their signals timed seem to be super inefficient...Univ Pkwy and Univ Ave ring a bell?
@TheGruPlu signal timing is an important tool in allowing us to make the existing transportation system work better and if you notice a place where there is a problem I can check with our signal engineers to see if there is a problem. Are the problems you've noticed all along University Parkway and University Avenue or is there a more specific location?
@pondtownman the possibility of building a new interchange at either Orem 200 South or Provo 820 North was considered in the environmental studies done in preparation for I-15 CORE. It was determined that both options had a greater impact on local wetlands and residential neighborhoods than the chosen alternative of increasing the capacity at the existing University Parkway and Provo Center Street interchanges.
While it is unorthodox, I am glad for the change and will be glad when it's done. The two lane viaduct and flyover were way too jammed. There will be better access to Draper Lane and I hope the commercial/industrial both improves economically and visually so it isn't just a more accessible version of the current eyesore. It seems like the only major change would be those leaving Provo heading to southbound I-15. I don't think that is the majority of the movement, though I could be wrong.
What about pedestrian access? People used to be able to walk across the viaduct, but it looks like the new design has effectively trapped the pedestrians on either side of the freeway.
@inprovo1 you can't really see it in the animation but there will be a pedestrian walkway that will follow the westbound Center Street lanes going over the railroad tracks, with a signalized crosswalk going under I-15 and connecting with the existing sidewalk on the southwest side of the interchange at 1600 West.
This looks worse than it already was. Glad I don't live in Provo anymore. For future reference, let me translate UDOT speak for everyone. When they say "We're doing something new" it really means "We're going to figure out how to put as many traffic lights as we can into the smallest space possible." See: Pioneer Crossing.
@jelbde signal timing is going to be very important for making sure the interchange works properly and our engineers will assure that this is set-up correctly and make adjustments if necessary.
@jmanidb I know it is very different from anything seen in Utah before but due to the limited space in the area this design was created in coordination with Provo City and is expected to meet the traffic demands projected for 2030.
"This is totally a Texas style interchange! Very nice. "
Makes sense as it is a Texas Company building it..... not sure that is a good thing.
Sure glad I don't live in West Provo anymore. What a nightmare!! Merging left and right among traffic in short periods to get where you need to be. Didn't UDOT learn anything from the old Provo exit of merging on and off traffic on the same lane.
I use this every day (entering the freeway from East Center SB and exiting NB to go East on Center) and it is the most poorly designed engineering I've ever seen. Exiting I-15 North bound and criss-crossing with people coming from E. center street WITHIN A FEW HUNDRED FEET is the most stressful part of my daily commute. I can't imagine this coupled with snow...This was not designed for "current and future traffic needs." I wish the engineers had to drive this everyday. Thanks, guys.
ehoff30 2 months ago in playlist More videos from UtahDOT
I rarely rant like this...As a Provo resident, I really tried to open-minded about this until some real progress was made. Now that I've had a chance to use it, the extremely limited road distance for two traffic streams to merge and criss-cross on the North bound exit/entrance is just unreasonable and ridiculous. Instead of making traffic flow more user-friendly, you've really made it a pure nightmare. Besides the turn around, are there any improvements scheduled to fix this?
ehoff30 2 months ago in playlist More videos from UtahDOT
@ehoff30 I've talked with the project and they're not quite sure what you are referring to. They thought you were speaking of the northbound off-ramp that passes the westbound traffic leaving Provo on the new bridge and if so, that is the final configuration. I would be happy to obtain additional information if you can give me more details, or you are welcome to contact the project directly using i15core@utah.gov
UtahDOT 2 months ago
Do you have something like this for the Spanish Fork area and all our changes?
tekettle 3 months ago
@tekettle there is an animation available for the new U.S. 6 and Spanish Fork Main Street interchange available. You can view it by visiting our Channel or the I-15 Core Playlist.
UtahDOT 3 months ago
Who are the nincompoops that approved this interchange? Slowing Southbound I-15 thru traffic, that would have normally gone directly to the flyover, by diverting it to a stop light. That is not very bright. Westbound to I-15 South is diverted through a ridiculous "Texas U-Turn with a yield sign. Why didn't they make a flyover to the Southbound I-15? Westbound Center St. was able to go directly onto I-15 Northbound without a stop. Now they have to stop. Stupid, to slow traffic like that.
bidetguy 3 months ago
@bidetguy the new interchange was designed this way to meet current and future traffic needs in the area. They also designed the interchange in conjuction with future development plans Provo City has while also keeping in mind the geographic constraints, such as the railroad tracks. Signal timing will be important and will be set to provide more time for the northbound on-ramp and the southbound off-ramp.
UtahDOT 3 months ago
I have heard differing answers on the subject of pedestrian access from west of I15 into Provo. Can I get specific answers on where pedestrians will be able to cross? And one of those answers really needs to be "Pedestrians will be able to cross the I-15 corridor very close to the existing Center Street viaduct," because it is ludicrous to expect people to traipse over 5 blocks out of their way, unless the plan is to keep nasty pedestrians out of town.
inprovo1 8 months ago
@inprovo1 the pedestrian walkway will follow the westbound lanes from east Center St. over the railroad tracks, then follow along the east side of north facing traffic. There will be a signalized crosswalk going under I-15 to the west side of Center St. and will connect with the existing sidewalk on the southwest side of the interchange at 1600 W. You can check out a map on the I-15 CORE website
UtahDOT 8 months ago
Traffic light timing in all of Utah fails compared to major cities around the nation. In most areas the lights are timed so that once you turn onto a major street and make it through one light, you are able to travel at or slightly below the speed limit and have green lights the rest of the way! Traffic in those cities moves in waves without numerous stops. Here in Provo it takes up to 25 minutes to drive from my home west of I-15 to my workplace at the state hospital, just 3.3 miles away.
rdhathcock 8 months ago
@rdhathcock I'm sorry you feel that our signal timing fails. Our engineers work hard to assure that each intersection performs well for motorists. They set timing to favor green for the majority of traffic flow during peak times however it is important to allow motorists at cross streets access as well. If there is a particular intersection you have noticed a problem with I would be happy to let the signal crew know so that they can take a look. You can contact then at trafficsignals@utah.gov
UtahDOT 8 months ago
@UtahDOT During off hours, early morning or late night, signal timing is horrible. I've sat at University Ave/University Pkwy for literally 8-9 minutes at 4:30 a.m. on my way to work. At Canyon Rd/Helaman Halls, my friend got out of the car and was able to run 3 blocks home before I even crossed the line. And two where I have witnessed people run the red lights from frustration are at 900 E/900 N and 2230 N/University Pkwy). A simple sensor to change would reduce emissions and increase safety!
bostongdl08 6 months ago
@bostongdl08 I spoke with our Signal Systems Engineer and he would like to look further into the vehicle sensor problems you are experiencing at University Avenue and University Parkway at 4:30 a.m. Can you tell us what direction of travel you are going? This will help him know which direction the vehicle sensors need to be re-calibrated.
UtahDOT 5 months ago
@UtahDOT and the extra light that was added where the southbound exit is now, will that remain. It currently is only several feet from the 1600 W light, which is why there is such a problem. Will that remain?
drnewberry 8 months ago
@drnewberry on the west side of the interchange there will be a signal at 1600 W. and at the bottom of the southbound off-ramp. There will also be a signal on the east side of the interchange to control traffic from east Provo heading to westbound Provo Center Street. All of the signals shown in the animation will be in place at project completion.
UtahDOT 8 months ago
Please tell me this is not to scale. As a resident of a neighborhood just south of Center Street and west of I-15, this appears to make my commute into downtown Provo a real headache-- this makes it look like I will actually have to drive south to go east and then north to go west when I just live on the other side of the street. And it doesn't show the traffic lights, such as the one at 1600 W that currently is a nightmare with the changes made thus far. What about the lights at 1600W 900 W?
drnewberry 8 months ago
@drnewberry the signals at 1600 W. and 900 W. will remain after construction and will be programmed to help move traffic through the area. I'm sorry the signal timing right now is causing problems. During construction they are timed to balance the volume of traffic with the work. Once construction is complete they will be reprogrammed to help move traffic as efficiently as possible.
UtahDOT 8 months ago
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drnewberry 8 months ago
I can see the wisdom in this plan. It also allows for some growth around the area and definitely improves safety. I have seen so many access on the bridge that goes over the train tracks and under I-15. Thanks for all your hard work and the awesome video!
I won't lie, I was secretly hoping for something like they did at Pioneer Crossing - that is so cool. Obviously this is more practical though.
trevorfitz6 8 months ago
@trevorfitz6 And by "access" I meant accidents.
trevorfitz6 8 months ago
@shafnitz @jelbde This is probably just due to the fact that Provo had to have its hands in the design because, as everyone knows, Provo can't really handle anything growth-related very well! (Also, Utah drivers suck at "merging" so this should be a super-safe interchange...haha) @UtahDOT Are we sure signal timing is possible in Provo? Any other high-traffic areas in Provo that have their signals timed seem to be super inefficient...Univ Pkwy and Univ Ave ring a bell?
TheGruPlu 9 months ago
@TheGruPlu signal timing is an important tool in allowing us to make the existing transportation system work better and if you notice a place where there is a problem I can check with our signal engineers to see if there is a problem. Are the problems you've noticed all along University Parkway and University Avenue or is there a more specific location?
UtahDOT 9 months ago
Why no interchanges between Provo Center Street and Orem University Parkway?
pondtownman 9 months ago
@pondtownman the possibility of building a new interchange at either Orem 200 South or Provo 820 North was considered in the environmental studies done in preparation for I-15 CORE. It was determined that both options had a greater impact on local wetlands and residential neighborhoods than the chosen alternative of increasing the capacity at the existing University Parkway and Provo Center Street interchanges.
UtahDOT 9 months ago
While it is unorthodox, I am glad for the change and will be glad when it's done. The two lane viaduct and flyover were way too jammed. There will be better access to Draper Lane and I hope the commercial/industrial both improves economically and visually so it isn't just a more accessible version of the current eyesore. It seems like the only major change would be those leaving Provo heading to southbound I-15. I don't think that is the majority of the movement, though I could be wrong.
GreenwoodKL 9 months ago
What about pedestrian access? People used to be able to walk across the viaduct, but it looks like the new design has effectively trapped the pedestrians on either side of the freeway.
inprovo1 9 months ago
@inprovo1 you can't really see it in the animation but there will be a pedestrian walkway that will follow the westbound Center Street lanes going over the railroad tracks, with a signalized crosswalk going under I-15 and connecting with the existing sidewalk on the southwest side of the interchange at 1600 West.
UtahDOT 9 months ago
This looks worse than it already was. Glad I don't live in Provo anymore. For future reference, let me translate UDOT speak for everyone. When they say "We're doing something new" it really means "We're going to figure out how to put as many traffic lights as we can into the smallest space possible." See: Pioneer Crossing.
shafnitz 9 months ago
@shafnitz I'm sorry you feel that way it is certainly never our intent. We are working to improve traffic flow and safety.
UtahDOT 9 months ago
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Dirtybosnianindahizz 8 months ago
I was already screaming at the [animated] drivers. This looks like a total headache -- too much driving/stopping/waiting just to get on the freeway.
jelbde 9 months ago
@jelbde signal timing is going to be very important for making sure the interchange works properly and our engineers will assure that this is set-up correctly and make adjustments if necessary.
UtahDOT 9 months ago
@UtahDOT Touche. I really hope that's the case, would hate avoiding this entrance cuz it's a bottleneck
jelbde 9 months ago
I can't believe how stupid this is. It is counter productive. They think this will improve traffic and help revitalize downtown Provo?
jmanidb 9 months ago
@jmanidb I know it is very different from anything seen in Utah before but due to the limited space in the area this design was created in coordination with Provo City and is expected to meet the traffic demands projected for 2030.
UtahDOT 9 months ago
Comment removed
Dirtybosnianindahizz 8 months ago
This is totally a Texas style interchange! Very nice.
adamarnesen 10 months ago
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happycampering 8 months ago
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happycampering 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
"This is totally a Texas style interchange! Very nice. "
Makes sense as it is a Texas Company building it..... not sure that is a good thing.
Sure glad I don't live in West Provo anymore. What a nightmare!! Merging left and right among traffic in short periods to get where you need to be. Didn't UDOT learn anything from the old Provo exit of merging on and off traffic on the same lane.
happycampering 8 months ago