The Utah Department of Transportation held an open house at IM Flash on Sept. 19 to present plans for S.R. 92. Almost 200 people attended the event where 25 UDOT employees were on hand to answer questions.

Plans for S.R. 92 were divided into three sections. The west section went from I-15 to Center Street in Lehi and had two options. One was for six signal lights which would access most roads. The other plan was for a raised median which would reduce number of lights but give limited access to the side roads. There would either be four or six lanes.

The next section was the three miles south of IM Flash. There were three options for this section. One featured three lanes going each way. Another option had the two east-west lanes split with an express lane in the middle with underpasses at the intersections with lights. The third option was not split but had the express lane in the middle with two lanes on either side.

The eastern section from IM Flash to the mouth of the canyon had the same options as the west Lehi section -- lights or a raised median with limited access into Highland changing to a four-lane highway to the mouth of the canyon. The intersection into Cedar Hills at that point would be reconfigured.

Many people wanted the version which would carry the most traffic the fastest.

"I just hope they don't under do it," said Highland resident Vern Hancock. "Six lanes and underpasses don't bother me. We need a major east-west corridor."

Highland representative to the state legislature John Dougall said, "The S.R. 92 east-west corridor is a the backbone of north Utah County. We have the capacity and space. Let's plan ahead and do it right and not have the problems Salt Lake is having because they didn't put in their east-west corridors before it became residential."

Highland resident Dale Asay did not want six lanes through Highland.

"This is draconian to split the community with a major highway," he said.

Cedar Hills resident Peggy Powell who teaches in Highland was interested in the traffic moving more safely.

"I see people backing out of their driveways into the turn lane," she said. "I am in favor of the raised median which would prevent that."

Lehi resident Jason Larsen thought the improvements were long overdue. "I am surprised Lehi let so much development come in before they had the infrastructure to support it," he said.

Vinnie Harker who lives in the Brookhaven senior complex in Lehi was more concerned about the noise of the traffic.

"I sit on my porch and hear the constant noise from the traffic along there," she said. She said she likes the idea of an expressway but would like a sound barrier to be put up between her house and the road.

Garen Larsen, a dentist who lives in Lehi but has his practice in Alpine, was not looking forward to the construction delays.

"I like the separate lanes better but how are we going to go around the constructionfi" he said. "They need to improve the I-15 interchange. It's a mess. It took me an hour one day when the Micron shift let out to get on the freeway to go to Salt Lake "

When asked about the planned remodel of the interchange none of the UDOT representatives seemed to know. The standard answer was it was not in the scope of this project.

Each participant was asked to complete a questionnaire which the planners will use to help them decide which options to pursue.

NEWS BRIEFS

¢ Lehi Harvest Fair-- The fourth annual Lehi Harvest Fair and Giant Pumpkin Contest will be Oct. 6 from 9-11 a.m. at Lehi Albertson's, 760 E. Main St.

Judging will take place between 11 a.m. to noon and there will be activities for children such as pumpkin carving and coloring at the fair.

¢ Crossing guards needed-- The Lehi City Police Department needs crossing guards to protect Eaglecrest Elementary children while walking to and from school. As an LPD part time employee, he or she would perform routine traffic control duties at crosswalks. Applications are available at Lehi City Human Resources, 153 N. 100 East, Lehi, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

¢ Green Waste season -- Lehi City's Green Waste program doesn't end with the cooler weather. Until Nov. 30, pruned tree limbs and shrubbery, leaves, lawn and weed clippings can be left in the 96-gallon container with the yellow top curbside for pick up each week.