As the Utah Department of Transportation continues its study of how to improve traffic flow through the Heber Valley, it’s again seeking input from the public next month.
UDOT started studying Highway 40 traffic last year, which has led to 14 proposals so far for ways to improve the situation in Heber City. Those will be available for public review starting October 1.
As part of the effort to narrow that list down and find a solution to move forward with, UDOT will open a 30-day public comment period starting Tuesday, October 5 to take the public’s input.
UDOT project manager Craig Hancock encourages people to look at the proposed road concepts, bring up any concerns, and let their voices be heard.
“We want to make sure that the range of alternatives are complete and know if there are any changes or modifications we would need to make to those alternatives before we move into the screening process. We’ll be looking much harder at impacts further down the road,” said Craig Hancock, UDOT project manager.
Broadly, all the ideas are meant to alleviate traffic congestion and improve mobility on U.S. 40. Six of the proposals focus on improving U.S. 40, four are for a bypass road west of Heber City, three are for an eastern bypass, and there’s an unspecified “transit” alternative. Also on the table is the “no-build alternative,” or the possibility of taking no action.
A new part of the project will include non-motorized transportation concepts, referring to extras like sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use trails. Hancock said those are being considered in all of the proposals.
UDOT will present the proposals and hear from the public Oct. 5 during a virtual meeting from 5-8 p.m. A recording will be available to view after the meeting.
The next day, October 6, an open house will take place at Heber Valley Elementary School, also from 5-8 p.m. UDOT officials will present the same information there and answer questions.
To leave a comment or attend the virtual meeting on the 5, visit hebervalleyeis.udot.utah.gov.
