Posted on 12/27/2018 10:53:01 AM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Legacy Parkway in Davis County is a different sort of freeway.
It bans trucks. The speed limit is just 55 mph. Its mere two lanes in each direction have rubberized pavement to dampen sound — all designed to help adjacent wetlands and wildlife.
But that could change dramatically in a little more than a year, on Jan. 1, 2020.
That is when a 15-year deal expires, initially drawn up to end lawsuits by environmental groups against the highway. The truck ban will disappear that day, and the state is then free to raise the speed limit or look at widening the roadway.
But the Legislature could extend the deal, or parts of it, and preserve existing conditions. Some cities along the 11.5-mile route and environmental groups are pushing for the extension when the Legislature convenes next month.
Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, is drafting legislation to extend the truck ban. But he says, “I expect it will face significant opposition because of the new inland port” in northwest Salt Lake City likely creating more truck traffic and a need to handle it.
The Utah Trucking Association says it has been waiting patiently for the expiration of the deal that it opposed. It views Legacy as a route that could greatly help truckers, especially many firms with yards at its North Salt Lake end.
The Sierra Club of Utah, which led out on lawsuits that helped create Legacy’s design, says it is not ruling out new legal challenges if needed to protect the area — but it hopes to work with the Legislature to avoid them.
Truce ending?
After a 15-year truce, fierce legal and political battles over Legacy could reignite.
(Excerpt) Read more at sltrib.com ...
PING.
Eco-terrorists.
I almost never use this road due to the ridiculous speed restrictions! The highway patrol love to stop drivers going even a mile over the silly 55 speed limit!
No thanks!
I’ve been on that highway just once. I was driving my 2010 Camaro with 630 hp just enjoying the car’s power, no trucks and low traffic when I realized I was over the 55 limit. Just then I saw a Trooper off in the weeds. Thought I was busted, but he ignored me! Last lucky day I had.
How gay are they in Utah? Like it or not, that usually determines what the transportation policy will be.
I drive this road often. For years people seemed to obey the 55 mph speed limit. Not so much anymore. However the UHP does patrol often, so it can be dicey. Also rush hour in the am & pm is a nightmare.
Utah is a heavily Mormon state. I doubt that there are a lot of homosexuals running around in their government.
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