Elk Ridge Drive extension to I-15 considered

SALEM (Deseret News) — Wetland studies are scheduled to get under way as soon as the snow melts to determine where a highway can be built that extends Elk Ridge Drive from its intersection with state Route 198 north to I-15.

County officials have hired a firm to do the studies, but the company can't begin until the snow melts, hopefully within a month, said John McMullen, the engineering division manager.

The road has been considered for more than 20 years.

"We're just looking at all our options," McMullen said.

One of those options is to cut the road through open land to come out near Salem's 400 North, then to Beet Road, which intersects with Arrowhead Trail Road, and state Route 164, which leads to I-15. Locals know Beet Road as the back way into Salem, but it's narrow and lacks shoulders. Even so, it is becoming a more popular route of travel.

Once the wetland studies are done, Utah County officials plan to meet with Salem residents to get more feedback, McMullen said.

Original Article