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Though few participated in a Utah Department of Transportation survey on the 800 North reconstruction project in Orem, data show that project safety remains respondents' greatest concern.
The Orem 800 North mid-construction survey was available online in late January and February on UDOT's Web site for the construction project that will expand 800 North, a major regional transportation artery, to three lanes in each direction. Three hundred subscribers of a weekly e-mail update also received information about the survey.
"We want to see how we're doing about getting our message out," said Scott Thompson, UDOT Region 3 spokesman. "We also want to see where we're doing well and not doing so well."
According to the results, only 18 people participated in the five-question survey that asked respondents to rate their level of concern (from 1 to 7, with 7 being most concerned) on various elements of the $63 million reconstruction project.
Nearly 40 percent of respondents said safety during construction was their No. 1 concern. In an open comment section, survey takers questioned pedestrian safety and problems with traffic backups and illegal turns at no-left-turn intersections within the project.
"I am very appreciative of the professionalism of the various crews participating in the construction," said one respondent. "Drivers, however, continue to be a hazard -- especially those who ignore the 'no left turn' signs."
Thompson, new to his UDOT Region 3 post this week, didn't have the background to compare similar-sized agency project surveys with this project's participation rates, but said "I would have thought there would be a few more responses."
Carri Hulet, a public-involvement manager with the Salt Lake-based The Langdon Group, contracted with UDOT to provide public information on the project, said the surveys (including pre- and post-project versions) provide valuable information that is relayed back to the UDOT 800 North project team.
Left-hand turns at intersections throughout the project have been limited based on logistics, safety concerns and resident feedback, she said. Early in the project, left-turns were expanded for a brief period after public feedback. However, the decision was reversed in instances after the left turns caused traffic backups at intersections and an even louder public outcry.
Based on survey feedback, she said the project team will be adding more signs at no-left-turn intersections in the construction zone.
Currently, the only intersections allowing left turns off the 800 North construction corridor are at 800 East and State Street, Hulet said.
In addition to placing a high priority on providing daily access to properties and businesses in the construction zone, Hulet said pedestrian, motorist and construction crew safety is paramount for project managers.
"This project actually has remarkably good safety numbers," she said. "I just think people in general are concerned about safety."
Thompson said the 800 North reconstruction project remains on budget and on schedule with an anticipated completion date of September.
• Construction note: 800 East will be closed the week of April 14 as crews will take advantage of school spring breaks to work on water, storm drain, signal and fiber infrastructures that cross 800 North at that intersection.
Project updates and background can be found online at www.udot.utah.gov/orem800north. For specific questions or concerns, contact the Public Information Team at (801) 360-4944 or by e-mail at
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