Detours Ahead!

There will be a road closure of 820 North at the I-15 overpass from January 20-23, from 11:30 p.m. Friday through 5:30 a.m. Monday. Provo 820 North is scheduled to close to traffic at I-15 for demolition of the old I-15 bridge overhead. Jan. 23-26, 820 North will reopen to daytime traffic but will be closed nightly while crews complete demolition work. For safety, there will be no pedestrian or vehicle access under I-15 during these activities. UDOT says that residents should expect additional light, noise and vibration associated with this work during the day and at night. Motorists can use Provo Center Street or Orem 2000 South as an alternate route. 

Snow Days at School

I know it doesn't look much like a winter wonderland just now, but Provo School District is preparing policy for the coming winter storms. This message from our School Board member Kristine Manwaring:

In anticipation of a heavy winter, Provo School District is working to prepare schools and patrons for what could possibly be a "snow day." To keep from having to make up days during Spring Break, Provo School District will avoid closing schools for a complete snow day, if at all possible.

If a large storm does hit our city in the late evening or early morning, bus pick ups and school starting times may be set back exactly TWO hours later than the original times. This delayed start will give adequate time for snowplows to clear roads and ensure traveling is safe for all drivers in and around Provo City.

For example: A school regularly starting at 8:00 a.m. will start at 10:00 a.m on a Late Start Day. A regular bus pick up at 7:15 a.m. will be at 9:15 a.m on a Late Start Day.  ALL schools, however, will keep dismissal times as originally scheduled. Students will be released from school at the normally scheduled times they are accustomed to.

If you are unsure of whether or not a storm has warranted a Late Start Day, please check this Provo School District Web site for updated information regarding the status of the school day. If a notice has not been posted by 6:00 a.m., schools and bus routes will operate on the standard schedule. You can also check your local television news stations or your school for more details regarding the Late Start Day.  You may contact Laken Cannon at 801-228-7802 if you do not have television or Internet access in your home.
Thank you for helping your student understand these procedures. Happy Holidays!

Attention Bikers!

The public is invited to attend the Provo City Bicycle Facilities Master Plan public open house tomorrow, November 29th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Provo City Library Ballroom (550 North University Avenue). This Plan, made possible by a $135,000 grant, will direct the future of bicycle infrastructure, policy, and programs in Provo. The public is invited to participate in interactive presentations held at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. During these presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to give real time feedback to the project team.

                                OR

if you cannot make it, please at least take a few minutes to complete this simple survey:

http://www.provobikeplan.com/provo1/input/

The Westside Connector

The expected increase of traffic to the Provo Airport and to new growth on the west side of Provo has motivated the City to consider construction of a connector road from the University Avenue exit of I-15, heading west  and north to the airport.  Click here to see a map.

Currently, the most common route to the airport, and the only reasonable route from points south of the Provo River, is on Center Street and then south on 3110 W (aka Lakeshore Drive).

The engineers are required to submit an Environmental Impact Statement and they have done so for four alternatives.  Public input will be received but only until November 30th (sorry I didn't get word out about this sooner).  You can get information about the Provo Westside Connector here and you can submit your feedback on the plan at that same website.

What's Up on Center Street?

If you are like me, you are continually surprised about what will be open or closed on Center Street near the Interstate Freeway. Well, here is the latest word:

o    Provo Center Street interchange reopening: As early as Nov. 20, the southbound off-ramp from I-15 to Provo Center Street and the Center Street flyover bridge are expect to reopen to traffic. Both directions of Center Street traffic will use the new bridge over the UPRR and UTA lines to travel between east and west Provo, as well as to access the northbound and southbound on-ramps. The reopening of all the movements at the interchange is weather dependent.

o    Provo Center Street construction: During the next several months, various construction activities will continue at the interchange. Drivers should expect periodic lane restrictions and nighttime road closures as work moves forward.

o    Provo Center Street to Independence Avenue access closed: The week of November 20, when the flyover reopens, the connection from Independence Avenue to eastbound Center Street is scheduled to close. Access from east Provo Center Street to Independence Avenue is currently closed while demolition occurs on the old Center Street viaduct and northbound on-ramp bridge. Motorists can access Independence Avenue from 1100 West or 500 North.

o    Provo Center Street animation: Take a preview drive of the new Provo Center Street interchange. This driver's-seat-view animation follows traffic as it navigates the different movements of the interchange. Provo Center Street Animation

o    Provo 1600 West intersection work: In early December, crews are scheduled to close the eastbound lanes at the intersection of 1600 West and Center Street for up to two nights from approximately 10 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. for installation of storm drain lines. Drivers can use 600 South and 820 North as alternate routes.

o    Draper Lane access closed: Through 2012, crews will be reconstructing the Draper Lane access. To connect to businesses in this area, drivers can use 900 West to 500 South. Signs and flaggers are in place to guide motorists. Alternate Routes