Heber Bypass: UDOT presents end-to-end route plan

Officials believe a decision could be made by 2026

HEBER CITY, Utah (AP) — Utah Department of Transportation officials announced Thursday that “free-flow” bypass options — which would avoid long stops at intersections — will cut travel times around Heber City from more than 11 minutes to about six minutes could.

UDOT Region Three Director Craig Hancock explained that these free traffic alternatives would include interchanges and directional ramps instead of traditional intersections with traffic lights, which would allow continuous movement through the bypass. This design contrasts with alternatives that would include traditional intersections with traffic signals.

The western bypass alternatives WB3 and WB4 have the most promising traffic diversion rates, potentially shifting 15-18% of traffic from Highway 40, with up to 40% of vehicles using the bypass at its junction with Highway 189.

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“Main Street will always be busy,” Hancock said. “But we will see a good diversion from 40 to the bypass.”

The alternatives WB3 and WB4, which pass through the northern field area, have slightly better travel times than WB1 and WB2. But local officials have raised concerns about the impact on wetlands and agricultural land in the northern fields valued by valley residents.

During the meeting, council members raised concerns about emergency response times, with particular attention to future access to the fire station near Fitzgerald Lane. The council also questioned how planned developments, including the Christensen annexation, might affect traffic patterns.

The project schedule shows three important milestones:
– Completion of the alternative screening report by spring 2025
– Draft environmental impact statement with preferred alternative by autumn 2025
– Final recording of the decision by spring 2026

The traffic analysis found that 50% of current traffic on Heber’s Main Street is local traffic, 25% is commuter traffic primarily to and from Park City, and 25% is through traffic. Truck traffic peaks at around 60 vehicles per hour at lunchtime, accounting for 8% of total traffic.

UDOT continues to refine the alternatives and meet with stakeholders, focusing on the balance between improved mobility and preserving the valley’s rural character.

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