Heber bypass: UDOT unveils continuous route plan

Officials say a decision could come by 2026

HEBER CITY, Utah (AP) — Utah Department of Transportation officials revealed Thursday that “free flow” bypass options  – which would eliminate lengthy stops at intersections — could reduce travel times around Heber City from over 11 minutes to approximately six minutes.

UDOT Region Three Director Craig Hancock explained that these free flow alternatives would include interchanges and directional ramps instead of traditional intersections with stop lights, allowing 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 show 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 connection point with Highway 189.

“Main Street’s always going to be busy,” Hancock said. “But we’ll see a good diversion off of 40 onto the bypass.”

The WB3 and WB4 alternatives, which route through the north fields area, show slightly better travel times than WB1 and WB2. However, local officials have expressed concerns about impacts to wetlands and agricultural land in the north fields, which are valued among valley residents.

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

The project timeline shows three key milestones ahead:
– Alternative screening report completion by early spring 2025
– Draft Environmental Impact Statement with preferred alternative by fall 2025
– Final Record of Decision by spring 2026

Traffic analysis revealed that of the current traffic through Heber’s Main Street, 50% is local traffic, 25% is commuter traffic primarily to and from Park City, and 25% is pass-through traffic. Truck traffic peaks at about 60 vehicles per hour during midday, representing 8% of total traffic volume.

UDOT continues to refine the alternatives and meet with stakeholders, with particular focus on balancing improved mobility with preservation of the valley’s rural character.