Romney Welcomes Investment from Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to Improve I-15 in Iron County

December 11, 2023 by Nicole Masson
State

Romney Welcomes Investment from Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to Improve I-15 in Iron County

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today applauded an announcement from the Department of Transportation that more than $70 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, negotiated by Romney and his colleagues, would be awarded to the Utah Department of Transportation for the I-15 South Iron County Freight, Mobility, and Safety Project. This project will add a northbound climbing lane on I-15 and replace an interchange in Cedar City, which will benefit the public by expediting and combining the environmental processes, synchronizing the construction schedules, and reducing mobilization costs.

“I-15 is a locally, regionally, and nationally significant freight corridor that provides a critical link between the ports in California and the inland West,” said Senator Romney. “Iron County’s population and employment is expected to grow by 40% over the next few decades. The I-15 South Iron County Freight, Mobility, and Safety Project is critical to Cedar City and southern Utah—helping to reduce congestion and improve safety for both slow-moving vehicles and faster traffic. Helping Utah get the funds needed for expanded highways and infrastructure is why I helped negotiate the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and I look forward to this project being implemented in Iron County.”

“We are grateful for the leadership and hard work of Sen. Romney and our entire congressional delegation in securing this important funding to help keep Utah moving. This grant will allow us to make several improvements on I-15 that will enhance safety and increase traffic flow, including upgrading a key interchange and widening the interstate to three northbound lanes near Cedar City. We look forward to getting started on these projects and are committed to maximizing this investment in Utah’s transportation infrastructure.” – Carlos Braceras, Executive Director, Utah Department of Transportation

“Iron County is excited about the climbing lane project which will facilitate better transportation in our county. Thanks to UDOT, Senator Romney, and all involved in the design and funding of this crucial project.” – Marilyn Wood, Iron County Commissioner

Background:

Negotiated by Senator Romney and his colleagues, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a once-in-a-generation investment which will address decades of neglect of our nation’s hard, physical infrastructure.

I-15 is a critical link between California ports and the inland West, resulting in trucks accounting for one-third of the traffic on this primary freight network route. The I-15 South Iron County Freight, Mobility, and Safety Project will add a climbing lane and replace the south Cedar City interchange from a DDI (diverging-diamond interchange) to SPUI (single-point urban interchange) design to improve safety and operations and provide active transportation facilities. This interchange (in its current configuration) is expected to fail between 2025 and 2030, leading to long delays and excessive vehicle queue lengths.

Additionally, this I-15 project will improve access to employment opportunities for low-medium income residents of Iron County through reduced travel delays and will positively impact local air quality by reducing the time that vehicles will spend idling in queues at the interchange.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Highlights for Utah This Year:

• $24.5 million for the Utah Department of Transportation to fund pedestrian and bicycle improvements to 10 light rail stations and 13 bus stops along the Wasatch Front.
• $317 million to the State of Utah to help expand high-speed internet access to rural and underserved communities.
• $29 million to the Salt Lake City International Airport for a phased Terminal and North Concourse Redevelopment Program replacing aging and capacity constrained facilities.
• $7.4 million to Park City Transit to improve more than 72 bus stops, including rider amenities.
• $10 million through the Department of Interior to advance wildfire resilience work and support fuels management projects in Utah on 43,240 acres of land across the state.
• $12 million to the State of Utah for clean water projects that will support Utah communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure that protects public health and bodies of water.
• $60 million to the Utah Transit Authority for its Light Rail Vehicle Replacement Project.
• $70 million to the Utah Department of Transportation for the I-15 South Iron County Freight, Mobility, and Safety Project.
• Increased funding for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Northern Utah and the Pine Valley area of the Dixie National Forest near St. George to build critical infrastructure and strengthen wildfire resilience to protect from catastrophic wildfire.

More details on how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will deliver for Utah—including by rebuilding its roads, mitigating drought conditions, and fulfilling critical water needs—can be found here.