OREM — Costs for widening a four-block stretch on Center Street could double if the city authorizes accommodations for as many as 50 homeowners who live along the affected site.
City planners are recommending the city spend up to $500,000 for driveway improvements that would presumably make exiting onto the street safer when traffic flow increases on the already busy road.
Under the proposal, each homeowner who requests the upgrade would receive up to $10,000.
Orem Public Works Director Richard Manning said many residents don't want new driveways and he estimates the cost of the upgrades will be closer to $150,000.
Against the desires of some residents, the City Council last week approved $500,000 to expand Center Street from 400 East to 850 East from three to five lanes. The expansion had been on the city's planning books for more than 30 years.
The expansion itself will cost Orem's taxpayers nothing because it will be paid with federal government transportation funds.
The funding is distributed by the state officials who have yet to decide whether the state will include money for driveway improvements.
City planners met with residents last week to hear their needs. Some homeowners asked for new driveways that could cost as much as $20,000.
Others requested the city split costs for double pane windows to reduce the sound of traffic from the street. Others want fences.
The City Council voted to delay the issue on Tuesday. Council members asked city planners to meet again with homeowners to get a firmer cost estimate for the requested accommodations.
The council also wants to know if the Federal Highway Administration intends to fund the project or whether the city might have to foot the bill.