WHITNEY A. SMIT
Some of those out to enjoy the crisp fall air and seasonal colors that October brings to local canyons are finding that the scenic trip along US-189 through Provo Canyon is not as easily accessible as it has been in the past.
Work continues in Provo Canyon just east of Vivian Park to the southern side of Deer Creek Reservoir to construct two new tunnels through the canyon.
The two tunnels, begun in April 1996, are being built to accommodate the increasing volumes of traffic from the Heber City area to Provo and Orem.
According to Jim Golden, a field engineer for the Utah Department of Transportation, the tunnels will be 270 feet (southbound) and 240 feet (northbound) long, and are being constructed with Utah’s environment in mind.
“The tunnels are short, but they will increase driving safety through the canyon and the environmental damage will be minimal,” Golden said.
Several other proposals have been discussed in years past as to how to allow more traffic to safely pass through the canyon, but according to Golden the tunnels proved to be the most ecologically sound.
“While the tunnels are the most expensive of all the proposals, they will not do nearly as much environmental damage as attempting to build a road directly over the land or build a bridge across the river and build on the opposite side of the water,” Golden said.
From 6:30 am to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays motorists can expect one lane traffic between work zones which have been spread out in 10 and 15 minute intervals.
To inform motorists of specific delays because of blasting, variable message signs are in place at the mouth of Provo Canyon and in Heber City at the junction of U.S. 40.
According to a press release from the Utah Department of Transportation these signs have been installed to explain the delays for the day and will give specific information on blasting times the day before and the day of various blasts.
On blasting days motorists can expect 30 to 40 minute delays while travelling through the canyon and motorists are advised to plan travel time accordingly.
Blasting will usually take place in the late morning and early afternoon hours between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Jeanne Shaw, spokesperson for the Utah Department of Transportation, said that while commuter and visitor traffic continues to be heavy in the canyon, motorists are encouraged to slow down and be patient, especially in work zone areas.
The project is expected to be finished in December 1998.
Jennifer Absher/Daily Universe
WHAT A BLAST! Construction workers in Provo Canyon continue blasting a pair of tunnels designed to smooth the commute between Heber and Provo. The tunnels are slated for completion in December 1998
