Orem's future rides on the Utah Department of Transportation's decisions, says Mayor Stella Welsh.

And without firm support, including strong financial support, that future could be full of potholes.Addressing a "highway needs open house" audience recently, Welsh reminded officials that Orem's key roads are owned and maintained by UDOT: State Street, 1300 South, 800 North and Geneva Road.

"Our commercial centers and the city itself are built around these corridors. If Orem is to maintain its quality of life, these corridors must be maintained and improved to keep traffic flowing," said Welsh.

Welsh said rapid growth in Orem is increasing congestion and that is decreasing the quality of life.

"As the community grows and expands we lose the open space necessary to expand our road network," said Welsh, "thereby pricing the needed improvements beyond even UDOT's ability."

The solutions include looking far ahead and buying property for easements well ahead of development, said Welsh.

She said UDOT must also pursue funding options outlined in a government report.

Welsh said the report shows how UDOT can get the $100 million annual funding level needed to complete the I-15 project and have funds left over for the rest of the state highway system.

Welsh said she hopes the funding will continue for State Street - currently funded for two of the four phases that will bring the asphalt road to a 40-year concrete roadway.

"A delay could prove costly not only in terms of money but in morale and support for the project," said Welsh.

The 1300 South corridor, "the commercial core of this valley," is listed currently as an "unfunded capacity improvement," she said. The project for 1300 South has a projected funding of $3 million, expanding its capacity from four to six lanes.

Other needed improvements include the grade-separated lane that will pass under 1300 South directly into Utah Valley State College and merge into West College Drive.

A signal light at the end of the exit ramp for incoming northbound traffic to 1300 South and a redesign of the intersection at Sandhill Road are needed.

The $500,000 spent on these improvements will directly benefit the state, said Welsh.

"First, traffic that is moving produces less air pollution than idle traffic. By moving traffic through the area, UDOT will be contributing to resolving the area's air quality problems. The State of Utah has made a tremendous investment in the UVSC campus. By helping improve access to the campus, UDOT will be assisting the state to fully utilize this asset."

Welsh said 800 North is the next growth area in Orem and will need to be widened with access improved from I-15 to State Street.

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"The funding for improvements east of State Street will not be available for many years," said Welsh. "In the meantime we urge UDOT to establish a plan line for the 800 North improvements and immediately set aside funds for the purchase of the needed right of way."

The purchase of vacant land today "is many times less expensive and easier to accomplish than the purchase of dwellings or businesses of tomorrow," she said.

Finally, the mayor urged UDOT to work with Orem, the Southern Pacific Railroad and Denver Rio-Grande Railroad to "rapidly install the gate rail crossings on 400 South near Geneva Road."

The funds are budgeted, the plans are complete, "all that is needed is to complete the project," said Welsh. "Please, let's work in unison to expedite this important safety project."

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