Visible progress: UDOT deconstructs west side of University Avenue Bridge
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- The University Avenue bridge deconstruction is pictured Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Provo.
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- The University Avenue bridge deconstruction is pictured Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Provo.
Utah Department of Transportation crews have started the deconstruction of the west side of the University Avenue bridge in Provo, marking the first visible progress in a two-year project to rebuild the structure that began in November.
Large excavators were seen Tuesday removing concrete from what used to be the southbound lane of the bridge, while traffic continued filtering through with one lane in each direction on the bridge’s east side.
The reconstruction project will replace the aging viaduct that serves as University Avenue between 930 S. and 400 South, crossing 600 South and the railroad tracks. UDOT’s plan is to rebuild the west side of the bridge first, followed by the east side.
UDOT Region 3 spokesman Wyatt Woolley said the deconstruction is one of many efforts currently underway to make improvements to the bridge and the surrounding infrastructure.
“It’s pretty obvious that’s what we’re working on now, as we cut the main top part off, and eventually they’ll move into getting rid of the pylons and then doing the buildup of the new bridge,” Woolley said. “But along with that, we’re also working on some water line work near the north frontage road, and we’re driving a 60-inch utility pipe under the railroad tracks. … And then we’re doing some storm drain improvements at 600 South.”
Woolley called the new utility pipe “a big deal” for Provo, allowing the city to place a bigger and more durable pipe beneath the railroad tracks. As is the case with the deconstruction efforts, the infrastructure improvements under the railroad have to be done with permission from Union Pacific Railroad and FrontRunner.
“So we have to do it safely in a way that doesn’t interfere in any way with their track line and their ability to move their product, or FrontRunner to move people,” he said.
Minor road closures took place over the weekend as deconstruction commenced, but traffic will continue to stay open in one lane in each direction going forward.
Woolley said UDOT has seen people starting to follow suggestions to avoid the route and use alternative routes.
“Provo City has admitted we’ve seen an increase on our side streets, which we anticipated and expected, because that means people are learning to get around, which is what we want,” he said.
Drivers entering Provo on Interstate-15 from the south via the University Avenue exit are advised to turn onto Lakeview Parkway and go northbound on State Street or use the Center Street exit. UDOT is asking truckers traveling between Heber Valley and southern Utah County to use the 800 North exit in Orem instead of the University Avenue exit in Provo.
