Four months after the completion of the first phase of construction on 1300 East, SLC.gov is preparing to start the next phase of its project. Phase two will begin in May, and will stretch from 1700 South to 1300 South.
Currently, crews are preparing to move forward as scheduled despite concerns of the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Josh Thompson, an engineer working on the project, said by the time the project starts conditions will hopefully be different.
“Hopefully by the time they start in May there will be no restrictions on roadway construction,” Thompson said in an email. “Social distancing is easier on a construction site of this size.”
Thompson said the goal of the project is to completely reconstruct the roadway condition. The existing conditions are unsafe and causing maintenance issues.
“The existing curb and gutters were deep and unsafe and did not draining properly,” he said. “Driveways on the east side were piped which caused maintenance issues and safety problems for bicyclist. The existing storm drain was undersized and needed upgrades to prevent future flooding.”
The goal of the project is to address those issues, providing new gutters, curbs and storm drain system, according to Thompson.
While the construction will begin in May, Thompson said students and residents can expect it to continue into late fall — similar to phase one. However, phase one was met with weather challenges and extended past its original deadline, causing traffic in front of Westminster College and closing off sections of the road for over a year.
Thompson said conditions will be similar to phase one, and the road from 1700 South to 1300 South will need to be closed off except for residents.
While construction projects are frustrating and disruptive to everyday life, Thompson said he hopes the surrounding community will be understanding throughout the process.
“Construction projects are subject to unforeseen issues so we ask that people be understanding when issues come up and schedules change,” he said. “Know that we want to see this project done as quickly as possible because we also live and travel on these roads.”
