LAYTON -- After finishing another round of alterations to its plan for the West Davis Corridor, the state is now one step closer to making a decision on the road. On Thursday, the Utah Department of Transportation announced refinements to the remaining alternatives for a potential transportation corridor through western Davis and Weber counties.
"All of the input we received last spring has helped us improve the alternatives to minimize both community and environmental impacts," said Randy Jeffries, UDOT project manager.
"These refined alternatives are another step in the process to find a solution that will be a long-term benefit to the west Davis and Weber areas."
The project, which could extend Legacy Parkway north through Davis and Weber counties, kicked off a year ago with 46 alternatives aimed at improving traffic flow in the Top of Utah.
In February, the list was shortened to three, and now only two options are left.
The final two routes both run west of Interstate 15 from either 4000 South or 5500 South in Weber County to Parrish Lane in Centerville.
UDOT officials say population in that area is expected to grow 75 percent by 2040.
During the original screening process, Kaysville city leaders voiced objections to many of UDOT's proposals, but the city now says UDOT is moving closer to a better solution.
Kaysville Mayor Steve Hiatt said he's very pleased with one of UDOT's refinements.
On the far west side of Kaysville, UDOT has moved its alignment west of the city's power lines, which won't affect any homes in the area.
"We're very pleased with that change," Hiatt said. "Our residents and city officials worked hard to get that done, and UDOT listened to us."
However, he is concerned about a route still on the table that would cut through a neighborhood on the southern part of town.
"They have two options: one that would take houses, and one that wouldn't take houses, but would impact more wetlands," Hiatt said.
"We think the obvious choice is the one that doesn't impact any of our residents."
The road for the project will be a four-lane divided highway, which would function with interchanges instead of traffic lights, similar to Legacy Parkway.
The refinements are a step toward drafting the Environmental Impact Statement, which UDOT hopes to do before spring.
Once the EIS is complete, UDOT will submit the report to the Federal Highway Administration.
A final decision is expected in 2013.
If the road is built, UDOT expects it to cost $439 million to $482 million.
"We are still a long way from a final decision," Jeffries said. "Things can still change as we move forward with the process."
The updated alternatives are available on the West Davis Corridor website at www.udot.utah.gov/westdavis.
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