Significantly, the Utah Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that the rehabilitation of the 24th Street viaduct that hauls cars between the downtown area and west Ogden is “substantially complete.” The viaduct — which connects via 24th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue further west to Interstate 15 — had been limited to one-way traffic at times during construction, requiring long detours for impacted motorists.

Now, two-way traffic has resumed on the viaduct, the only way over the north-south rail lines that cut through the area just west of downtown Ogden between 21st and 31st streets. Moreover, pedestrian traffic is now allowed.

“These repairs improved the overall driving experience for motorists and increased the estimated longevity of the viaduct by approximately 20 years,” UDOT said in a statement. What’s more, a new ramp was installed on the east end of the viaduct that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, improving accessibility. The ramp, connecting to the viaduct walkway, replaces the staircase that had been at the location.

The $7.2 million project started last April, and though the bulk of the project is complete, some work will continue into next year, including repairs to the bottom of the viaduct and to the pedestrian walkway, UDOT said.

Photo supplied, Utah Department of Transportation

It’s not the only road project that caused clenched fists among motorists over the summer.

To the north in North Ogden, 400 East north of 2600 North, which had been the focus of a widening project and was partially closed to allow for the work, is now fully open and free-flowing. Upgrades to the 2700 North-Washington Boulevard intersection, another headache for some, finished by and large last July.

In Ogden, Harrison Boulevard between 7th and 12th streets, closed over the summer for upgrades, has opened back up to traffic.

Still, motorists aren’t yet completely in the clear.

Work continues on part of 25th Street in Ogden in connection with the development of the Utah Transit Authority bus rapid transit system, or BRT, which will connect Ogden’s FrontRunner station and the Weber State campus. Full reconstruction of 25th Street between Washington Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue is to begin next month, according to the UTA.

Photo supplied, Utah Department of Transportation

Over the summer, a water line was replaced below 25th Street between Adams and Van Buren in connection with the work, wreaking havoc on traffic in the area.

Likewise, Harrison Boulevard between 30th and 36th streets is the focus of continued attention as part of the BRT plans. Two-way traffic has been shifted to the east side of the corridor, with the westernmost lane closed to autos.

As part of the 24th Street viaduct project, crews fixed potholes, reinforced supports, repaired joints in the bridge deck and repaved the deck surface. Supply-chain issues caused some delays in the work.