UDOT advances two free‑flow Western Corridor alternatives after traffic model update

Heber Valley — Project staff for the Heber Valley Corridor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) said they have advanced two grade‑separated "free flow" Western Corridor alternatives and eliminated previously studied at‑grade options and alternatives that would realign U.S. 189, after rescreening prompted by an updated regional travel demand model.

Naomi Keeson, environmental manager for the EIS, said the project’s purpose remains “to improve regional and local mobility on US 40 from SR 32 to US 189 and provide opportunities for non motorized transportation while allowing Heber City to meet their vision for the historic town center.” She told viewers the purpose, developed in 2021 and amended to add non‑motorized transportation, drives which alternatives are developed and screened.

The rescreening followed a late‑2023 update to the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) travel demand model, which included additional approved development east of North US 40 and in the Mayflower area. Craig Hancock, project manager for the Heber Valley Corridor EIS, said the new model projected “30% more traffic on North US 40 and 10% more traffic on Main Street in Downtown Heber City”…