FILE: traffic on I-15 at Point of the Mountain near Lehi (Steve Griffin, KSL)
LEHI, Utah — The Utah Department of Transportation is removing dozens of 120-foot light poles and others of similar height on the I-15 corridor in Lehi.
This comes after one of the Lehi lightpoles fell due to a winter storm last December. UDOT has launched a thorough investigation into what caused the initial pole to fall.
“Our analysis shows that there were some manufacturing issues, not really presenting any short-term safety concerns,” said UDOT’s John Gleason, “but when you’re looking at the lifetime of the poles, we want to make sure we are getting the product that the taxpayers have paid for and that it’s safe and durable for years to come.”
UDOT has now decided to also remove the remaining 80-foot tall light poles currently located between the Lehi 2100 North and Main Street interchanges on I-15.
UDOT advises drivers to plan ahead for daytime lane closures on I-15 near the Tech Corridor in Lehi. Crews will be removing light poles beginning Monday, August 1 through Friday, August 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Image provided by the Utah Department of Transportation.
Crews will close two northbound lanes and one southbound lane during this work. Drivers can expect minor delays.
The poles will eventually be replaced and continue to be inspected annually.
“That’s the good news,” said Gleason, “it’s at no cost to us.”
The replacement poles will be paid for by the original poles’ warranty.