A portion of 1600 North in Orem about which UDOT would like to receive public comment. The agency is considering widening the lanes and adding a bike lane. (UDOT)
OREM, Utah – A new plan to expand 1600 North in Orem could affect homes and businesses.
The plan is to expand the section of 1600 N between State Street and 1200 W to five lanes and a bike lane.
“We’re trying to find ways where we can help better accommodate how people travel,” said U-DOT spokesman Jeff Dupaix.
“We want to make sure people are able to travel the way they want, how they want, and when they want and to do it safely. So, it’s really important that we identify solutions in our corridors that accommodate as many users as possible.”
They’ve identified 26 businesses and homes that may be affected by the construction. Dupaix said UDOT wants to meet individually with businesses and homeowners to make the process as smooth as possible.
We need to make sure we work closely with property owners because there will be times where we have to purchase some of those homes along that south side of the road.”
UDOT has announced two public meetings. The first will be virtual on Tuesday, Dec. 13th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The second meeting will be held in person at Northridge Elementary on Wednesday, Dec. 14th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
They will also accept public comments.
“We want to make sure that with the holidays, people have time to spend time with their families but also have time to review the information and respond and provide us feedback so that we can then respond to those comments in our document and then take those next steps and move forward with the project.”
People can send public comments regarding the project directly to UDOT from December 6th to January 6th.