SPANISH FORK, Utah (KUTV) — Drivers traveling on US Route 6 through Spanish Fork Canyon should expect delays starting Friday as the Utah Department of Transportation begins the next phase of a safety improvement project near Thistle Junction.
Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will reduce US-6 to one lane in each direction. The lane restrictions are expected to remain in place through November.
The construction comes just as Utah heads into the busy summer travel season, raising questions from drivers about why the project is starting now.
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People traveling through the canyon said they are not looking forward to the delays, but many agree the safety work is needed.
UDOT says the project is part of a broader effort to improve safety along US-6 through Spanish Fork Canyon.
“We’re focused on on making US-6 Spanish fork Canyon as safe as it can possibly be,” John Gleason, UDOT spokesperson said.
The agency says the work at Thistle Junction will improve safety at one of Utah’s busiest junctions.
“This new interchange is going to Take away some of that guesswork and and provide a safer Entry,” Gleason said.
The timing, however, comes as Highway 6 typically sees some of its heaviest travel of the year, especially with Memorial Day and other summer holiday weekends approaching.
“We need to finish this project by the time winter and snow move in, and so we really need every week that we have to implement this safety project.” He added.
2News asked whether this year’s mild winter led to discussions about moving the project up earlier.
”Unfortunately, with the big capacity projects, you’re pretty much set with where the contract is, when those crews are available, and the materials. It’s all planned out with quite a lot of foresight and sometimes years in advance.”
UDOT says drivers should prepare for significant delays during peak travel periods.
“We’re anticipating up to 90 minutes of delay on Memorial Day weekend and holiday weekends throughout the summer,” Gleason said.
The agency says while the delays may be frustrating, the goal is to create safer driving conditions for the long term.
UDOT is asking drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and consider adjusting travel plans during busy holiday weekends.
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