The fastest growing spot in the state of Utah is the area where Salt Lake County meets Utah County — what residents call the “Point of the Mountain.”
It’s home to Silicon Slopes — Utah’s technology hub — and thousands of other people and businesses going and coming every day.
TRAVEL HUB
Just east of the I-15 corridor, off the beaten path that’s full of restaurants and class-A office space, Traverse Ridge Road connects Draper City on the Salt Lake Valley side to north-eastern Utah Valley.
“Traverse Ridge Road serves as an arterial for the Suncrest community as well as a connection to northeastern Utah County,” says Robert Markle, deputy public works director for Draper City. “Besides the car traffic, it’s also a very popular route for bicycles.”
In 2012, Draper officials recognized the need for a new storm drain system for the road. Increasing traffic in the area also led to the decision to improve the road.
“The project will provide a new, smoother-riding pavement, better drainage, upgraded guardrail and barrier, and wide, better defined bike lanes,” Robert says.
GETTING THINGS STARTED
Geneva Rock and Draper City have a long history of working together and the partnership was extended based on Geneva’s competitive bid.
“Draper City was looking for a qualified contractor that could perform quality work and Draper has always been happy with our performance,” says Phil Nordquist, project manager with Geneva Rock.
The two organizations began working together on the project in March 2018 and finished the improvements in October 2018, meaning the work was done in one paving season. Besides the quick turnaround, the construction plan allowed for the road to stay open throughout the process.
“The construction and phasing of the installation of the storm drain has allowed the public to still access all areas of the project without any street closures,” Phil says. “Draper City was very pleased with the project and the asphalt paving.”
Two pipe crews leapfrogging each other helped expedite the process and showed Geneva’s dedication to getting the work done well and on time.
“Geneva threw a very skilled team at it,” Robert says. “Each member of the Geneva team possessed a strong desire to do a great job, and it showed.”
WORKING TOGETHER
Both sides worked through challenges in the planning stages, meaning the process went smoothly after the orange cones were placed.
“We worked well together by discussing issues well in advance of when they might become conflicts,” Robert says. “We had clear communication with each other.”
One early design adjustment came when the original designed called for 24-inch ADS pipe to bend on the 10,000 linear feet of storm drain.
Jim Jones with Geneva knew that material wouldn’t work for the plan. A redesign was done ahead of time that added cleanout boxes so that all pipe would run in straight lines from box to box.
This mutual respect led to a project that has met the objectives of all parties involved.
“The city has received positive feedback from residents and council members about how quickly and smoothly the project has progressed,” Robert says.
And commuters of all kinds are enjoying the end results.