Utah County's Roads are Worst

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Eleven of the top 20 most congested commuter routes in the state are in Utah County, according to a new report from the research nonprofit group TRIP. And without some relief, Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce President Steve Densley says the next five years hold untold troubles for commuters:

"As we start reconstructing I-15 it's going to be a nightmare. People don't understand what closing down to two lanes will do - if they think it's bad now . . ." Densley trails off. "Commuter rail is really our only option."

UDOT could begin construction on I-15 in Utah County as early as 2010. The Utah Transit Authority says it can have commuter rail up and running through Utah County by then, if voters approve a sales tax hike at the polls in two weeks. The TRIP report names the stretch of I-15 between 16th North and University Parkway in Orem as the most congested route in the state - costing drivers an extra $1,275 a year in wasted time and gas money.

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