LeBaronLogic

Gridlock eased?

UDOT plans to open a new lane on I-15 from Lindon to 500 East in American Fork this weekend. click here also. I applaud the efforts, but I am still dismayed that more is not being done quicker. I seriously doubt this move will have that much of an effect, but it is something. I know we are dealing with a State Agency, funding and the Feds, but we are years behind the Lindon curve (pun intended) on this. Too bad we (Utah County) were treated like 2nd class citizens during Olympic appropriations. There hopefully is good news..... With Lt. Governor Herbert former Utah County Commissioner on board, Governor Hunstman should give a listening ear to the plight of the slightly moving parking lot we call the freeway from AF to Provo. State Rep. Dougall is giving a strong voice as well.  Let's hope this project continues on pace with the entire commuter lanes completed soon. Which gives rise to an upcoming post.....traffic in American Fork!

Is Rail Line on its Way?

Legislators are considering a new proposal that could remove obstacles in the way of a commuter-rail line through Utah County:

The legislation would give Utah County voters flexibility to pass a quarter-cent sales tax hike for commuter rail but use the money for local roads for several years until UTA is ready to extend the express passenger train system from Salt Lake County to Payson.

Rail Line

The hybrid roads-then-rail solution was recently proposed. Existing legislation would require voters to decide whether the money should go to roads or commuter rail but not the former. A county wide vote on the issue may be possible. Is commuter rail the best way to solve Utah County's transportation woes? The Utah County Commission has hired a national firm to conduct a study of alternatives. Travel on Utah roads is growing twice as fast as the state's population. Over the past decade, the number of vehicle trips on Utah roads is up 94 percent with population up to 50 percent. On the other hand, transportation capacity has grown by just 5 percent. You no doubt have experienced the "parking lot" driving conditions from Provo to American Fork during rush hour. What do you think? Are you willing to pay an additional quarter-cent sales tax to improve roads and ultimately support a commuter rail line in 2012?