According to a press release from Weber County, the county — in partnership with Asphalt Construction and Excavating of Farr West and Eden Valley Opportunity, LCC (EVO Utah) — has completed work on a new connector road at 4100 N (Fairways Drive) in Ogden Valley.

Weber County Public Relations Manager Jessika Clark told the Standard-Examiner the 0.85 miles of roadway has a big impact.

“The connector road will improve accessibility to Wolf Creek Resort and Powder Mountain Ski Resort, as well as reduce traffic congestion in other areas of Liberty and Eden,” she said. “Neighbors living near the road will also now be able to exit the area more quickly in the event of an emergency.”

According to the release, drivers can save miles of driving as a result of it.

“The project shortens travel between the Wolf Creek/Powder Mountain area and SR-162 by about 3.5 miles, easing pressure on the busy SR-158/SR-162 intersection,” the release said.

Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said in the release that a couple of mechanisms made the project possible.

“The two major sources of funding for this project were sales tax transportation funds from the Weber Area Council of Governments (WACOG) and impact fees,” he said.

John Lewis, managing partner of Eden Valley Opportunity, said in the release that he commends how the project was set up.

“This project emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships to provide a crucial connector road in Ogden Valley where development paid its own way and didn’t burden taxpayers,” he said. “The road and paved trail will make a beautiful addition to Ogden Valley, increase public safety, increase accessibility and greatly benefit the residents who live and play there.”

Clark said that the total cost is coming into focus.

“The final amount is still being calculated as some of the final work is being done,” she said. “WACOG awarded $1,450,686.88 toward the project, and the County committed $244,000 in local matching funds from impact fees. The developer will reimburse approximately 75% of those funds.”

She added that the county has done other public-private collaborations on roadways.

“Through impact fees and development agreements, the County is able to use those funds to make system improvements that benefit residents,” she said. “For example, on 12th Street, impact fees funded a portion of that project. “