WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -
"We lost a great deal of traffic. The traffic pattern according to UDOT was down 67 percent, and businesses along the corridor here rely a great deal on the traffic pattern," said a local business owner. It's been a tough year for the more than 200 businesses along 3500 South. At the time, construction was not only an eye sore, but a big blow to their bottom line.
Mark Rabwin, co-owner of Beans & Brews said, "It affected our business, as it did pretty much everybody."
On Friday, the construction on 3500 South between Bangerter Highway and 2700 West was completed, creating relief for many Utah commuters.
West Valley City Mayor Dennis Nordfelt said, "The infrastructure that provides for our transportation is just as important to our community as our cardiovascular system is to our bodies."
3500 South has been widened to three lanes in each direction. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) teamed up with Utah Transportation Authority (UTA) to add two lanes in the center for the first bus rapid transit system in the state. $32 million was spent into improving the pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalks.
UDOT's Deputy Director Carlos Braceras said, "You'll spend more time where you want to be, and less time getting there, and that's what we very much consider a success."
Orange cones, closures, local businesses patiently waited for this project to be over and now that it is, they are relieved.
Mark Rabwin of Beans & Brews said, "We lost some businesses along the way and we feel very fortunate to stay the course." Locals say it was painful losing costumers, but believe this newly constructed corridor will boost their business down the road. Karen Rabwin of Beans & Brews says, "We're actually hoping to see our business return plus. I mean it's a super highway now.
Local businesses say the city worked closely with them to make sure the transition was easier. UDOT says the project was finished ahead of schedule.
FOX 13's Nineveh Dinha reports.
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Mark Rabwin, co-owner of Beans & Brews said, "It affected our business, as it did pretty much everybody."
On Friday, the construction on 3500 South between Bangerter Highway and 2700 West was completed, creating relief for many Utah commuters.
West Valley City Mayor Dennis Nordfelt said, "The infrastructure that provides for our transportation is just as important to our community as our cardiovascular system is to our bodies."
3500 South has been widened to three lanes in each direction. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) teamed up with Utah Transportation Authority (UTA) to add two lanes in the center for the first bus rapid transit system in the state. $32 million was spent into improving the pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalks.
UDOT's Deputy Director Carlos Braceras said, "You'll spend more time where you want to be, and less time getting there, and that's what we very much consider a success."
Orange cones, closures, local businesses patiently waited for this project to be over and now that it is, they are relieved.
Mark Rabwin of Beans & Brews said, "We lost some businesses along the way and we feel very fortunate to stay the course." Locals say it was painful losing costumers, but believe this newly constructed corridor will boost their business down the road. Karen Rabwin of Beans & Brews says, "We're actually hoping to see our business return plus. I mean it's a super highway now.
Local businesses say the city worked closely with them to make sure the transition was easier. UDOT says the project was finished ahead of schedule.
FOX 13's Nineveh Dinha reports.
SEND US YOUR NEWS, WEATHER AND SPORTS PICTURES! www.fox13now.com/pics
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @fox13now
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