A bypass has been discussed for decades as a way to divert traffic from Heber’s Main Street and improve travel across the valley. And it’s been controversial, with some residents opposing any route through the North Fields but others arguing the need for a traffic solution is dire.
After years of delays, UDOT now says a decision on the bypass location will be made by spring 2026.
Craig Hancock, UDOT’s project manager for the bypass, said a two-level screening process will be used to narrow down route options.
“Level one screen, we look at how well do the alternatives meet the purpose and need of the project, and we use traffic metrics to determine that,” he said. “So, we look at things like travel times on the alternatives as well as travel times on Main Street.”
He said that helps UDOT gauge how much Main Street traffic would improve with each option. UDOT also looks at conflict points – all the intersections and access points along the possible routes.
“We’re looking for those alternatives that provide fewer conflict points than others, because that improves the mobility of the road and improves safety,” he said.
Some options then move on to a level two screening, which Hancock said is more focused on environmental impacts.
“We’ll be looking at impacts to wetlands, impacts to historic buildings and public parks, historic properties,” he said. “We’ll also get a rough order of magnitude on the cost of each alternative that we’ll be considering and looking at right-of-way impacts.”
After those screenings, UDOT will release a report with details about the routes still on the table.
Then comes a draft environmental impact study, where UDOT takes a closer look at the finalists. Hancock said UDOT aims to finish the study by fall 2025.
“And then we’ll disclose our preferred alternative based on our impacts analysis,” he said. “There’ll be a public hearing and a formal comment period where the community can then comment and give feedback.”
UDOT will incorporate those comments into a final document that will reflect any changes to the proposed route before issuing its official decision in early spring 2026.
To learn more about the timeline and the route options UDOT is considering, visit UDOT's project website.