UDOT to Construct Bypass Through Wasatch County’s North Fields

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has revealed its preferred plan for the Heber Valley bypass, a significant development in a project that has been under consideration for over 20 years. This announcement was made on January 7. The chosen route, known as Alternative B, is set to be built west of Heber City.

Route Overview and Benefits

Alternative B commences at the intersection of U.S. 40 and Potter Lane, extending through the North Fields and rejoining U.S. 40 and U.S. 189 south of the downtown area. Project manager Craig Hancock indicated that this route is designed to enhance travel efficiency for Wasatch County drivers.

• Current travel time from River Road intersection to U.S. 189 near Charleston is about 11 minutes.
• Projected travel time without a bypass by 2050 could exceed 22 minutes.
• UDOT estimates that travel via Alternative B will reduce this time to approximately 6 minutes.

Impact on Local Mobility

Hancock emphasized the route’s effectiveness in improving both regional and local mobility, stating that it will significantly reduce traffic congestion on Main Street. UDOT is committed to keeping the bypass a “limited access” highway, meaning no future on- or off-ramps will be added. This approach aims to manage urban sprawl and development in the area.

Access Points and Construction Details

Drivers will access the new highway at multiple points, including:

• Potter Lane
• State Route 113
• South of the “Y” intersection where U.S. 40 meets U.S. 189

Access will feature free-flowing ramps and overpasses, eliminating the need for traffic signals. UDOT also plans to preserve nearby wetlands as open space. Hancock noted that UDOT typically must safeguard two acres of land for every acre affected by the project.

Environmental Concerns

The North Fields route will disrupt more farmland and wetlands compared to the Alternative A route along U.S. 40. Wendy Fisher of Utah Open Lands expressed disappointment with UDOT’s decision, questioning the justification for the environmental impact when the travel time difference is minimal.

Fisher pointed out that the benefits of saving only one minute in travel time could come at the cost of significantly impacting wetlands.

Project Costs and Future Infrastructure

The estimated cost for the bypass has significantly escalated. Initially projected at $584 million in March 2025, the draft environmental impact statement now indicates costs could exceed $760 million. Wasatch County Manager Dustin Grabau acknowledged the size of the project, highlighting its monumental undertaking in anticipation of the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Community Engagement

With the draft environmental impact statement released, residents have a 60-day window to provide feedback to UDOT. Copies of the draft EIS are accessible at various local government buildings, UDOT offices, and the Wasatch County Library. For information on how to submit comments, the public can refer to UDOT’s participation guide.