“I’ve always thought that was a necessity for the south end of Layton,” said Shields, who served as mayor from 1970 to the end of 1984.
“I think when it’s all done, you’ll see a big improvement in the south end of Layton. It should show signs of real life,” he said.
“When the Layton Hills Mall was built (in 1980) there was a lot of concern about downtown Layton. I’ve always been a believer that someday that was all going to come about,” Shields said referring to a revitalization of what is now called Old Downtown Layton.
Three contractors have been selected on the short list to build the $97.3 million project, said William T. Wright, Layton Community & Economic Development director.
Their proposals are due in early June, selection by the Utah Department of Transportation is set for mid-July, and actual construction could start by the end of August, he said.
The price tag includes land acquisition, utility relocation, design fees and construction, he said. A new road will be built and many other improvements made to the south entrance to the city, for instance.
“I am thrilled,” said current Mayor Steve Curtis, who has also worked for the interchange for many years, including when he served on the city council.
“The biggest thing about this is that it serves as a springboard for the redevelopment of Old Downtown Layton,” he said. “It’s not only along the west side of the interchange (where an Intermountain hospital is planned, among other projects), but also on the east side, in the Fort Lane Shopping Center.
“We’re very excited about the project, and what it might bring,” Curtis continued. “It’s not only a big thing for the city, but the community in general, because of the fact there has become such congestion of traffic over by the mall and Antelope Drive interchanges. This helps in spreading it (traffic) out a little better.”
In addition, the “lane gain” process will continue on I-15, something that has been started in that area from Kaysville north, he said.
“It’s an absolute, integral part of our overall transportation plan, and of the revitalization of downtown,” said Scott Carter, who served in Wright’s position for many years.
“I have put a lot of energy into this project to put it forward, the city has spent a lot of time and effort,” said Wright. “It’s such a vital piece of the south end of our community, for transportation and economic development.”
For example, owners of the Fort Lane Shopping Center have been working with city officials over the past year or so to formulate a whole new look, there.
That center, which was thriving as late as the late 1970s, once housed a Safeway grocery store and other businesses. While still the home to several businesses, a grocery store anchor has not been able to survive there, after several attempts.
The latest plans call for the old Layton train depot to remain in its current spot on South Main, Wright said.
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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