| Nielson Construction crews work on the north truck lane at Hunter plant. |
The new interchange to reduce traffic near PacifiCorp’s Hunter Power Plant is winding down as the project nears completion. Asphalt is being put down and also the intersection with the heaviest traffic flow has been finished in concrete to avoid the wash board effect. When traffic slows and hits the brakes the road can suffer from corrugation, with the concrete layer this effect can be avoided. This concrete has been placed at the north intersection.
Utah Power has long recognized the need for improved access for coal trucks traveling to and from the Hunter Power Plant, and is excited to see the new intersection moving forward. The company has worked cooperatively with UDOT and Emery County to address traffic concerns in this area and they think the intersection that has been designed will provide the best possible solution.
The new intersection will connect SR-57 and SR-10 near County Road 426, and is necessary for improving truck flow, safety and local traffic. Utah Power is investing approximately $3 million dollars toward construction of the intersection, which is expected to greatly reduce congestion on the county road between SR-10 and the Hunter Power Plant.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of state and county government, as well as local land owners who have helped to make this project possible,” said Deb Dull, Utah Power regional community manager.
“Jay Mark Humphrey and Delile Hinkins, both from Orangeville, have been instrumental in securing property for the intersection. We also appreciate the cooperation of Rainbow Glass Ranch,” said Dull.
Nielson Construction is the contractor for the new intersection. The intersection was designed by local engineering firm Johansen & Tuttle, of Castle Dale. Howard Tuttle has worked as the project manager.
After the completion of the project the Utah Department of Transportation will take over maintenance of the interchange.
The project has some time to go before the final completion. The new asphalt needs striping and signage needs to be installed to direct traffic. The current county road 426 has in excess of 800 loads of coal per day enter the Hunter power plant. These trucks will all need to be traveling on the new road before the county road receives the necessary work as part of the project. The trucks are approximately a month away from traveling on the new truck lanes. Upon completion of the project the current ramps used for the Orangeville traffic will be filled in and eliminated.
UDOT also has an overlay project to begin in August which will also overlay the new truck lanes afterwhich they will need to be restriped. This stone matrix asphalt overlay will coat the new road with a hard surface which will protect the road and add to its life.
UDOT has been working with the county and Utah Power for the timing of the overlay project to coincide with the finishing of the Hunter interchange.
By early fall the entire overlay project and Hunter interchange will be fully completed and operational.