| Work has begun on the new interchange at the Hunter Plant. Nielson Construction will work throughout the winter as the weather allows. |
Plans for a new interchange to reduce traffic near PacifiCorps Hunter Power Plant are beginning to come to fruition. The Emery County Commission and Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) have approved agreements necessary for launching the project, and preparatory work is now underway.
Utah Power has long recognized the need for improved access for coal trucks traveling to and from the Hunter Power Plant, and we are excited to see plans for a new intersection moving forward, said Mark Mansfield, Hunter Power Plant managing director. The company has worked cooperatively with UDOT and Emery County to address traffic concerns in this area and we 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 plans to invest 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, based in Huntington, has been contracted to build the new intersection.
The intersection was designed by local engineering firm Johansen & Tuttle, of Castle Dale.
Work on the intersection will take place as feasible through the end of 2005 and resume when weather allows in early spring 2006. The intersection is expected to be completed within 2006.
After the completion of the project the Utah Department of Transportation will take over maintenance of the interchange.