It ain't over till the federal highway officials sing.

That's the status of the debate about which highway plan is best for connecting the Mountain View Corridor to Interstate-15 in north Utah County.

The Utah Department of Transportation has put forward three plans. In addition, Lehi officials have offered their own alternative. (View maps of the route alternatives associated with this article at heraldextra.com/opinion.) Here's a brief outline with key points:

• 1900 South freeway. This would run through the southern part of Lehi. The findings in the environmental impact statement suggest such a road might prove useful -- someday. The key word is "wetlands" as a freeway over this route freeway would affect 285 acres of soggy soil. We're not engineers, but we know that concerns about such lands can mean delays and hassles.

• Arterials. This plan would build three arterial highways in Lehi, at 1900 South, 2100 North and Porter Rockwell Boulevard. But we'd bet that many drivers would prefer a freeway. And the arterials plan shares one weakness of the 1900 South freeway: The southern arterial would affect the wetlands.

• 2100 North freeway. UDOT prefers this option, at least so far. It would cost the least -- $609 million (in 2010 dollars), compared to $722 million for the arterials, and $784 million for the 1900 South freeway. UDOT says the 2100 North route would have the least impact on wetlands, wildlife and farmland, and would require the fewest home and business relocations. But Lehi officials and a group of residents have objected strongly. They claim the freeway would tear the city in two, as I-15 did before. And they say they have a better plan.

• 4800 North connector. Lehi proposes to build a highway connecting the Mountain View Corridor with I-15 in the vicinity of 4800 North, and build the 2100 North arterial. A look at the maps confirms that the connector is shorter than the 2100 North freeway. Backers say even fewer houses and businesses and less of the environment would be affected. A look at the area reveals there isn't much out there. The plan's supporters point to houses and businesses going up or planned for the Point of the Mountain area, and say that's the way of the future. Again, we can easily imagine the state building that highway, or something like it someday.

But is it the right way for now? Would the 2100 North plan address today's needs first? Perhaps other bridges can be crossed later. UDOT officials are reviewing Lehi's pitch and have pledged to pursue it if it looks reasonable.

North Utah County doesn't have an unlimited amount of time. Every day more buildings go up, making highways costlier and more difficult to build. The decision should be made soon.

But not immediately. There's still time to learn more and give officials your opinion. The public comment period for the draft environmental statement runs through Dec. 24. The statement is available on the project Web site -- www.udot.utah.gov/mountainview/draft_eis.php -- or at some local libraries. Comments on the project may be submitted via:

• www.udot.utah.gov/mountainview/index.php#milestones

• E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Mail: Mountain View Corridor, c/o Parsons Brinckerhoff, 488 E. Winchester St., Suite 400, Murray, Utah 84107

• Phone: (800) 596-2556

• Comments may also be made at a public hearings -- two in Salt Lake County, and one in Lehi at Willow Creek Middle School, Nov. 15, 4-8 p.m.

The Federal Highway Administration will make the final decision. You can help them make it. After all, you're the ones who will be affected, either by traffic jams or new roads, even if you live in other parts of Utah County. We urge area residents to learn more and let their voices be heard.