Several residents who live along 1200 East protested to the City Council Tuesday about a proposed change to make the road a major thoroughfare to the Alpine Highway.
The concern was prompted by the last City Council meeting, when preliminary discussion was held on the master road plan for the city and the possibilities of turning three roads in Lehi into four-lane highways or two-lane roads with turn lanes.Lance Sage, a resident who lives on 1200 East, asked the council if a committee of residents could be formed to work with other committees on the master road plan, as a form of protection for homeowners.
Councilman Wayne Carlton encouraged residents to work with the road committee and with the Utah County road committee, which would also be involved with the project.
Resident Julie Fox suggested that 1500 East is a more natural spot for a major arterial road to the Alpine Highway. The 1500 East corridor has been considered the boundary between Lehi and American Fork.
Mayor Bill Gibbs said it would be difficult to change the master plan to 1500 East because American Fork and Highland had already annexed some of the land considered to be on the Lehi side, and all three cities would have to be involved with the project if it were moved to 1500 East.
The main point of concern for the residents was the proposal to make the road a major four-lane highway. They worried about the safety of their children and some yards being dug up.
City Engineer Lorin Powell, clarified comments made at the preliminary presentation. He said the road would not necessarily be four lanes, but the 80-foot-wide street would more likely be a two-lane highway with turn lanes.
Powell and Gibbs both reiterated to residents that the project has been in the master plan for more than 15 years and although discussion has begun, the road projects are still far in the future, primarily because of a lack of funds.