Century Utah gives Orem update on Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 construction and neighborhood impacts

Century Utah representatives updated the Orem City Council and work-session attendees on the Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 project, outlining construction methods, the alignment change and expected neighborhood impacts.

The presentation explained that Reach 1 is part of the Central Utah project and serves as a major supply conduit that delivers a large portion of municipal water to the Wasatch Front. Century Utah said the segment has experienced repeated failures and ground movement, and the replacement design proposes a larger, realigned welded-steel pipeline, a new tunnel and localized use of a flexible, resilient pipeline at two seismic-hazard crossings.

The project team described a 960-foot tunnel and a 9-foot (108-inch) diameter welded steel pipeline to be buried in the roadway corridor and connected to existing treatment facilities. Engineers explained that the pipe must be upsized from the existing 90-inch line because of the longer alignment and friction losses; the new size is intended to maintain the system’s 450 cubic-feet-per-second capacity.

Century Utah staff said the work will require large utility relocations in 2025, including moving sewer laterals, water lines and storm drains outside of the proposed pipe trench to make room for the 9-foot main. Staff also said they expect tree removals along portions of 1060 North where the main will be installed, and they told the council blasting will be required for the tunnel’s horizontal curve.

On construction impacts, Century Utah and the contractor WW Clyde told council members they will set up a secure construction yard near Foothill Elementary and begin mobilization the week after the presentation. For a short portion of the work, the contractor expects driveways to be closed for up to three weeks and said they will provide a temporary parking lot near 1560 North and a shuttle for residents who cannot access driveways during those closures.

Century Utah said the contractor must provide emergency-access procedures and promised pre-plans for medically vulnerable homes. The project team also said they will offer video inspections of the inside and exterior of 88 nearby houses before heavy construction begins so any pre‑existing cracks or damage can be documented; Century Utah said it would repair damage to structures that is caused by construction activity.

Century Utah staff said they have conducted four public meetings and door‑to‑door outreach since 2021, mailed postcards and will use signage, flyers, an email address and a project phone number to notify residents about construction. The team also said it will monitor vibration and conduct outreach to parents and the local school district about student safety while construction is active.

Council members and residents asked about tree removal, noise and vibration, the security and gate plan for the project construction yard, and whether temporary access routes will be sufficient for emergency responders. Century Utah said vibration monitors will be placed near the tunnel area and that they will work with homeowners who identify medical needs to ensure emergency access.

Century Utah said the project’s contract was awarded to WW Clyde and the contractor intends to complete major work by spring–summer 2027. The presenter noted trenching, utility relocations in 2025 and tunnel work later in the timeline.

For now, the council session served as an informational update rather than an approval hearing; Century Utah staff advised residents to use the project contact channels for the latest schedule and individual concerns.