The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Heber Valley Corridor, naming Alternative B as its preferred option for improving transportation in the area. The study is available on the project website.
The EIS evaluates ways to improve safety, reduce congestion, and provide long-term transportation solutions while supporting Heber City’s plans for its historic town center. Both main alternatives would involve constructing a new freeway-style road west of downtown Heber City to divert traffic, including trucks, away from Main Street. The proposals include a multi-use trail and frontage roads for local access.
From the north, both alternatives follow US-40 to Potter Lane and College Way. Alternative B then veers west around downtown Heber, while Alternative A continues south before turning west at 900 North. Both routes eventually connect back to US-40 and US-189 west of Heber City. Each alternative is estimated to cost over $700 million.
“Alternative B provides the strongest long-term transportation benefit for the community,” said Craig Hancock, UDOT project manager. “The Heber Valley is growing, and this solution will help keep people moving and protect historic Heber City main street into the future. This design would also impact fewer residential and business properties.”
Hancock also addressed concerns about the North Fields: “We know that the North Fields are vital to the essence of the community, and we want to do as much as we can to protect this special area. UDOT will prioritize the North Fields for wetland mitigation, protecting at least two acres for every acre of wetland impacted.” Hancock added, “We are committed to preventing new access in the North Fields. This would be a limited access road and UDOT would not allow access on the corridor except at interchanges shown. The land would be protected in perpetuity, not privately owned or up for development.”
Without changes, travel time on US-40 from SR-32 to US-189/3000 South could more than double by 2050 with traffic backups exceeding three miles. The study indicates that Alternative B would nearly halve travel times, improve safety measures, and significantly ease congestion on Main Street.
A public comment period begins Friday and runs through March 9. Community members are invited to give feedback on the preferred alternative, potential impacts, and proposed mitigation measures online or at public hearings.
“We appreciate how engaged the community has been throughout this process,” Hancock said. “Your comments are vital to help us consider things we may have overlooked so we can find the best transportation solution.”
UDOT will hold two public meetings: a virtual meeting on January 27 from 6–7:30 p.m., which includes an overview and Q&A session; and an in-person hearing on January 28 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Wasatch High School library in Heber City where attendees can review materials and submit formal comments.
After reviewing public input UDOT expects to release a Final EIS and Record of Decision by summer 2026.
UDOT operates statewide across Utah as a government entity focused on transportation planning and management (official website). It emphasizes accident prevention, infrastructure maintenance, mobility improvements (official website), supports connected communities (official website), manages programs throughout Utah (official website), engages with legislative efforts related to transportation policies (official website), offers traveler updates and business tools (official website), and supplies resources for travelers and businesses statewide (official website).
For more information about participating in public meetings or submitting comments regarding this project visit the Heber Valley Environmental Impact Statement website.
