Does Wasatch County need two highways built right next to each other?
UDOT is proposing several Bypass Routes with some routes going directly through the North Fields. UDOT wants a massive 200+ foot right of way to build it. See proposed routes WB3 and WB4 at: https://hebervalleyeis.udot.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HVC-EIS-Final-Screening-Report-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Will Heber Valley ever be so densely populated to need two Highways built that close?
Wasatch County has a potential population of 81,000 in 2060. See projections at: https://d36oiwf74r1rap.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/Wasatch-Proj-Feb2022.pdf?x71849#:~:text=Wasatch%20County’s%20population%20is%20projected,Utah’s%20most%20economically%20diverse%20counties.
Compare UDOT’s proposed North Fields Bypass routes to the Legacy Parkway built from SLC County to Davis County back in 2008. Parts of that Legacy Parkway run parallel to I-15.
Back then we saw the need for the Legacy Parkway when the population of SLC County/Davis County was well over one million people.
Will Wasatch County ever reach even 100,000 people?
Is the only reason to build the Bypass Road through the North Fields for a ‘Park City Airport Bypass Road’? Or to allow development into the North Fields?
Everyone wants diesels off of Main Street. I’ve always said this. That’s not a debate. The original Bypass route from Highway 189/Southfield Road to 900 North in Heber City can get diesels off of Main Street. I support this originally planned Bypass Route and voted to preserve that corridor.
Yet here’s another reason we don’t need two highways built next to each other because UDOT is already planning to widen Highway 40 – north of 500 North in Heber City.
Let me say that again: UDOT is already planning to widen Highway 40 starting at 500 North to State Route 32 – the River Road intersection – whether or not they pick the North Fields Bypass route.
UDOT should widen this north part of Highway 40 to not only add more lanes (see below), but also put in overpasses instead of stop lights, along with on/off ramps. That will improve travel time and take care of the increased density & traffic the Heber City Council approved from 2019 – 2023 in the North Village area.
We need to keep UDOT out of the North Fields to protect those agriculture and sensitive lands. We don’t need a ‘Legacy Parkway’ built next to Highway 40.
See UDOT’s Plans to Widen Highway 40 north of 500 North at:
https://uplan.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/9ca5af19ac8141f180d6bc9b5a0a4119
Select ‘Wasatch County’ in the drop down menus, scroll into the map and click Highway 40 on the map. The ‘box’ will pop up, and forward the ‘arrows’ to get to project ‘4 of 5’ to see this.
UDOT is waiting to select a final proposed Bypass route because their traffic model showed much larger increases in density/traffic in our Valley.
UDOT will likely select a final route by the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024. I will be watching for UDOT’s announcements and public comment period for that final selection and let you know so you can participate.
Learn More about County Open Space Preservation in the North Fields at: https://heidifrancoheber.com/2024/06/19/north-fields-protections-open-space-bond-update/
The Mayor's Report 