The public comment period for the state effort to improve traffic flow through the Heber Valley is almost over. Comments to the Utah Department of Transportation are due this week.
The public has until Thursday, which is November 4, to respond to the request for feedback. The 30-day comment period concerns 14 proposals to alleviate traffic from U.S. highways 189 and 40, which funnel into Heber City Main Street.
UDOT started analyzing the roads last year and has already held multiple comment periods. UDOT officials say this one’s for people to comment on the proposals, which were released earlier this month. They encourage people to share any concerns.
On the table are bypass roads that could be built on either side of the city, a new tunnel underpass, a bridge overpass and other ideas that could dramatically change the face of Heber’s downtown. One of the 14 proposals is the option not to build or change anything.
The 13 concepts are divided into three types. About half the ideas would alter the existing U.S. 40 path on Heber Main Street. The other half are options to build bypass roads east or west of the city.
All concepts would affect the area between 500 North, which runs parallel to the Smith’s grocery store, and 1200 South, just north of the Heber Valley Airport.
Ideas specific to Main Street include adding lanes, creating a reversible lane, splitting U.S. 40 into two roads within Heber City and roundabouts. One western bypass alternative is to build a road through the North Fields.
UDOT gave detailed presentations about the concepts in public meetings earlier this month. To view them, or to leave a comment, visit hebervalleyeis.udot.utah.gov.
