Granite Awarded Utah DOT Bridge Project in Riverdale
Granite , a leading construction and infrastructure solutions provider, has been awarded a $17 million contract by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) for a critical bridge replacement initiative in Riverdale, Utah. The project, which is being jointly funded by both state and federal transportation infrastructure programs, reflects UDOT’s ongoing commitment to modernizing aging infrastructure and improving regional transportation safety and efficiency.
The contract will be recorded in Granite’s second-quarter committed and awarded projects (CAP), underscoring the company’s continuing success in securing major transportation infrastructure projects across the western United States.
Scope and Significance of the Project
The bridge replacement project focuses on a key segment of Utah’s roadway network, targeting three aging structures that have been in service for over six decades. Specifically, the work will involve the full replacement of the 4400 South bridge over Interstate 15 (I-15) as well as the two Interstate 84 (I-84) bridges that currently span 4400 South. These bridges were originally constructed in the 1960s, and due to the natural degradation of materials and increasing stress from daily traffic loads, they have reached the end of their functional lifespan.
The bridges serve as vital links in the broader transportation system connecting the cities of Roy and Riverdale. The project site spans a diverse area composed of residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and public facilities. These factors heighten the importance of both maintaining community accessibility and minimizing disruptions throughout the construction timeline.
Minimizing Disruption Through Innovative Construction Techniques
Given the project’s location in a busy, high-traffic corridor, minimizing the impact on drivers and local residents has been a top priority in both the planning and execution phases. Granite’s project team, working in collaboration with UDOT, has devised a construction strategy that significantly reduces long-term road closures and traffic disruptions.
One of the project’s most notable elements involves the use of the Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) method, specifically the lateral slide technique. Rather than demolishing the old bridges and building new ones in the same location over many months of phased construction, the two new I-84 bridges will be built adjacent to the current structures. Once construction is complete, each new bridge will be slid horizontally into place during carefully planned weekend closures.
“This approach eliminates the need for prolonged phased construction and lane closures on I-84,” said Jason Klaumann, Granite’s Vice President of Regional Operations. “By utilizing lateral slide technology, we’re able to drastically reduce the time and impact of bridge replacements on commuters and local businesses. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to deliver critical infrastructure improvements.”
This lateral slide approach has proven increasingly effective in recent years for state DOTs seeking to replace aging bridges with minimal user delays. The technique helps condense what could be months of detours and lane reductions into short, well-managed intervals of construction activity—usually over a weekend.
Materials and Resources: Sourcing and Sustainability
As part of the project’s material supply chain, Granite’s West Haven Hot Plant will play a central role by producing and delivering hot mix asphalt (HMA) needed for bridge approaches and other paving requirements. A total of 1,169 tons of 1/2-inch HMA will be sourced locally, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.
Granite’s local sourcing model not only streamlines logistics but also reinforces the company’s sustainability commitments by lowering emissions associated with long-distance hauling. The West Haven plant has been optimized for efficiency, helping to ensure the quality, consistency, and environmental compliance of the materials used.
Community Impact and Broader Infrastructure Goals
Beyond the immediate technical aspects of bridge replacement, the project stands as a symbol of long-term investment in community connectivity and safety. Riverdale and Roy, the two cities directly connected by the affected corridors, are growing suburban communities with increasing demands on transportation infrastructure.
The aging bridges currently pose safety risks, not only from a structural integrity standpoint but also in terms of capacity limitations. Replacing them with modern designs will enable improved load-bearing capacity, updated safety features, better stormwater management, and improved pedestrian and bicycle access where applicable.
For commuters, the result will be smoother, safer travel along a corridor that sees significant daily use. For the cities and surrounding communities, the upgraded infrastructure will support continued economic development, improve access to services, and enhance overall quality of life.
Granite’s Growing Role in the Mountain West Infrastructure Landscape
This project reinforces Granite’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in the Mountain West region, a fast-growing area with increasing infrastructure needs. Over the past decade, the company has built a strong reputation in Utah for delivering complex transportation projects on time and within budget, often under challenging conditions.
Granite’s portfolio in Utah includes highway expansions, interchange improvements, bridge replacements, and materials supply operations. The Riverdale bridge project adds to a growing list of high-profile, publicly funded projects that leverage the firm’s deep expertise in civil engineering, materials science, and construction management.
Public Safety and Stakeholder Engagement
UDOT and Granite are also emphasizing proactive communication with residents and businesses in the project zone. Detailed construction updates, detour plans, and community outreach efforts are being coordinated to ensure stakeholders understand the project’s timeline and goals.
As weekend closures approach, advance notice will be provided via digital signage, local media, and UDOT’s project information portals. UDOT and Granite have committed to maintaining open lines of communication with city officials, emergency responders, and business owners to ensure coordinated traffic control and emergency access during critical construction phases.
Completion Timeline and Future Readiness
The Riverdale bridge replacement project is expected to move forward in stages through 2025, with most major structural components completed within a 12- to 18-month window. While weather, materials availability, and unforeseen geotechnical conditions can affect scheduling, Granite’s project management team is confident in their ability to meet or exceed milestones.
Once complete, the three new bridges will not only improve traffic flow but also meet modern seismic and structural standards, preparing the corridor for the next generation of transportation demands.
The $17 million Riverdale bridge replacement project is a key part of Utah’s infrastructure modernization efforts and a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in solving complex engineering challenges. Granite’s role in the project highlights its capabilities in efficient construction methods, community-sensitive planning, and delivering resilient transportation solutions.
With this award, Granite continues to demonstrate leadership in the bridge construction sector while supporting UDOT’s broader mission of enhancing mobility, safety, and quality of life for Utah residents. The project also serves as a model for how strategic innovation—such as lateral bridge slides—can reduce disruption and deliver long-term value to the public.
