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Council approves nighttime-construction exemption for 1600 North widening with noise safeguards
Summary
The council approved a UDOT request to allow nighttime work on the 1600 North state-highway project under conditions including 15-day notice, prohibitions on saw cutting and jackhammering at night, and neighbor notifications.
The Orem City Council approved a resolution on Jan. 14, 2025, granting Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) an exemption to local nighttime-construction restrictions for the 1600 North widening project, subject to conditions designed to limit noise and neighborhood disturbance.
UDOT and city staff presented the request and described the construction staging, property acquisitions and a multi-year project timeline that could be shortened if more night work is permitted. Staff said right-of-way acquisition and relocation account for roughly 40% of current project cost estimates and that the project could take one to two years of construction; permitting night work could reduce the overall calendar impacts to residents.
The exemption requires the contractor to notify the city 15 days before planned night operations and to avoid particularly noisy activities at night — specifically saw cutting and jackhammering — during restricted hours. The contract also bans the use of compression-release engine brakes except to avoid imminent danger and requires adequate lighting for safe inspections. Neighbors and businesses within 200 feet are to be notified in writing before night work begins. City staff said contractors will still be required to include noise-reduction best practices and that a city-designated public-information officer will coordinate notices and log citizen feedback.
UDOT and city engineers emphasized that nighttime work increases contractor costs but can shorten construction time and reduce daytime traffic impacts. City staff said the resolution has historically been used for state highway projects and cited state law authorizing local nighttime construction permits for state highway work when there is a net community benefit and use of approved noise controls.
The council approved the resolution as part of the consent agenda after discussion during the meeting; staff will require written pre-notice from UDOT contractors before any night operations begin.
