Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
The first phase of construction will connect to I-15 and Legacy Parkway at approximately Glovers Lane in Farmington, extending west and north, terminating at 4500 West and the future extension of S.R. 193 in West Point. In future phasing of construction, the highway is planned to extend to 1800 North in Clinton.
The new highway will have 4 lanes, 2 in each direction, with an open median.
There will be many parts of the highway that will include a new parallel trail. In addition, new trail connections will be made, allowing a complete trail system from Syracuse down to the Jordan River Parkway Trail in Salt Lake County.
The speed limit will be posted 65 mph.
Yes. This highway will be open to semi-trucks.
A total of 7 interchanges will be constructed as part of this project: Glovers Lane (I-15/Legacy Parkway interchange); 950 North in Kaysville; 200 North in Kaysville; 2700 West in Layton; 2000 West in Syracuse; Antelope Drive in Syracuse; and 4500 West/future S.R. 193 in Syracuse.
There will be sound walls constructed at some points along the highway. These are locations where sound impact was modeled and meets UDOT sound wall criteria.
It is still to be determined where construction will begin and what the construction sequencing will be. Once UDOT selects a Design-Build Contractor, they will determine a detailed construction sequencing schedule. Additional information and details on construction schedule and sequencing will be shared with the public later in Fall 2020, after a Design-Builder is selected.
Environmental Study
Yes. UDOT conducted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) between 2010-2017. A Final EIS was completed in July 2017 and a Record of Decision was given by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in September 2017. The purpose of the environmental process was to study the potential impacts of each of the alternatives on the community and environment. Impacts studied included wetlands, wildlife habitat, farmlands, air quality, water quality, historic resources, structures, and the local economy and communities. UDOT, in consultation with FHWA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and many other federal and state agencies, selected “Alternative B1” as the alternative with the least overall impact to both the built and natural environments.
You can find the Final EIS here and the Record of Decision here.
Property Acquisition/Right of Way
Note: The following information is general in nature, does not discuss specific right-of-way actions relative to any future project and is for illustration of and to answer questions about UDOT processes ONLY.
There is a process that must be followed when land is acquired for a roadway project. This process is defined in federal and state law, which requires government agencies to provide just compensation for any acquired property. Property acquisition procedures are described in detail on UDOT’s website in the Acquisition, Appraisal, and Relocation section at www.udot.utah.gov (Home — Inside UDOT — Project Development — Right of Way). This section of the UDOT website includes brochures on property owner’s rights and acquiring property.
By law, state agencies must pay “fair market value” for private property. The fair market value is determined by an approved, independent appraiser. The appraiser evaluates the property and also researches the area for homes with similar characteristics that have sold recently. The property owner has the right to be present during the appraisal property inspection and can bring to the appraiser’s attention any characteristics pertinent to the appraisal.
After the appraisal is complete, the State offers to acquire the property at fair market value, as determined by the appraiser’s valuation. Under State law, UDOT’s offer must be based on the fair market value and supported by documented justification. The agency will make every effort to reach an agreement with the owner during negotiations. The owner may provide additional information, and make reasonable counter offers and proposals for the agency to consider. Additional information about the property acquisition process is available on UDOT’s website at www.udot.utah.gov (Home — Inside UDOT — Project Development — Right of Way).
On scheduled projects, if a private property owner does not accept the State’s offer, the State will file an eminent domain law action in a State District Court. In the eminent domain action, the court will determine the fair market value of the property, after considering evidence submitted by both parties.
If the State begins an eminent domain action, an individual should consult with an attorney about legal rights. The Utah Property Rights Ombudsman is also available for advice.
In the event a project only impacts a portion of an owner’s property, UDOT will pay fair market value for the land and improvements that are actually impacted. Owners may also receive proximity damages or payment for an easement depending on the property and the appraisal valuation. Proximity damages are only available to those whose property is directly impacted. The property may be purchased in total if determined appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
The State has a relocation assistance program that provides benefits for all those who are displaced by a roadway or transit project (including residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farmers).
As part of this program, the State provides assistance in identifying replacement property. Replacement property must be comparable to the property that is being acquired, and also must be decent, safe, and sanitary.
In addition, as part of the relocation assistance program, the State pays for eligible relocation costs. Relocation costs include moving costs (packing, storage, shipping, etc.) as well as other costs associated with the relocation. The relocation payment is separate from the payment for the fair market value of the property itself. Additional information about relocation assistance is available on UDOT’s website at www.udot.utah.gov (Home — Inside UDOT — Project Development — Right of Way).
Tenants of rental properties may be eligible for relocation benefits. If the property is acquired in advance of the need for the property, the tenant may be allowed to remain in the residence (under lease from the State) until the project begins. Tenants are eligible for relocation assistance only if the Department has asked the tenant to move because of the project.
Since 2001, UDOT has purchased dozens of properties along several of the proposed alternatives in the WDC through the state Corridor Preservation Program. This is a regular, ongoing process and does not influence the outcome of the EIS. Any properties acquired through corridor preservation that are not ultimately needed to build the WDC can be sold.
It is not within a city’s or state’s right to deny building permits to developers who meet all requirements and want to develop their land. UDOT works closely with cities and counties during an environmental study process to encourage developers to reserve land for future transportation improvements. In some cases, where the developer is willing, UDOT is able to purchase a portion of the land through advanced acquisition.
Realtors are required to disclose any information that may affect the property to a potential buyer. Individuals should contact an attorney with any questions regarding the responsibility to disclose information about the WDC study.
The federal Clean Water Act requires that wetlands impacted by construction must be mitigated. The West Davis Corridor Wetland & Wildlife Mitigation Plan outlines UDOT’s intention to restore impacted wetlands and those areas where mitigation will be pursued.
Stakeholder Involvement
The best way to stay in the know on all things related to construction is to join our stakeholder mailing list. The project team will send regular updates on construction schedule, impact, notifications, progress photos and videos, public events, etc. Click here to subscribe.
The project team has been working with Resident Working Groups throughout the environmental study and now into design and construction. These city-based groups are comprised of representatives from various neighborhoods, HOA’s, and city officials throughout the corridor. The Resident Working Group members act as a conduit between the project team and the residents and neighborhoods they represent, sharing feedback and dispersing project information and meet at different milestones throughout the project. To learn more about who your Resident Working Group representative is, or to inquire about becoming a representative, please contact the Public Involvement Team at 877-298-1991 or westdavis@utah.gov.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2021, with some minor utility work occurring as soon as Fall 2020. The project is expected to be complete and the highway open by December 2023.
Related Projects
An environmental study is currently being conducted on Antelope Drive (S.R. 127) to determine transportation options to accommodate current and future use. It is assumed Antelope Drive will be widened as part of this study, partly to accommodate the planned WDC interchange. For more information on the Antelope Drive Study, click here.
As part of the West Davis project, UDOT is building an I-15 connection at approximately Glovers Lane. However, future transportation planning still shows a need for a local I-15 interchange at Shepard Lane in Farmington. An environmental study is currently being conducted to determine interchange options to accommodate current and future use. This local I-15 Shepard Lane interchange would be a much smaller footprint than the alternative studied in the environmental process and would not connect to West Davis. For more information on the Shepard Lane Environmental Assessment, click here.
