From 2010 to 2020, Utah was the fastest-growing state in the United States. That growth is projected to continue, with northern Utah’s population expected to increase 65% by 2040. More people means more traffic and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) recognised the need to improve the road network to meet the anticipated demand.
A seven-year study produced a proposal for the West Davis Highway, an infrastructure project of enormous scale and complexity. To complete such an ambitious project, UDOT needed partners that understood the needs of the local community and could bring together the experience, skills and capabilities required.
As the largest building materials solutions business in North America, CRH has supported growth in Utah for more than four decades. With a track record of success and strong local relationships, Staker Parson Materials & Construction and Oldcastle Infrastructure were selected as part of the Farmington Bay Constructors Joint Venture (JV).These two CRH companies worked closely with their JV partners, Ames Construction and Wadsworth Brothers, to deliver the massive undertaking.
The 16-mile, four-lane divided greenfield highway project was developed with the community in mind , including freeway-style interchanges, 10 miles of new trails for cycling and walking, and noise-reducing pavement and dark-sky lamps that reduce light pollution. UDOT also acquired over a thousand acres west of the highway to add to the Great Salt Lake Shoreline Preserve, increasing the wetlands and uplands habitat to 4,400 acres.
Overcoming challenges through agility and innovation
Just before construction began in 2021, COVID-19 posed sudden staffing constraints and supply-chain issues. CRH and the JV partners harnessed the power and agility of their businesses and vast network of talent to keep the project on schedule and to bring UDOT’s vision to reality.
