I have had many requests to explain what is happening on Historic Payson Main Street and why it is necessary.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Payson’s Main Street was a state highway that was a dirt road. It became such a maintenance problem that the state put down 18-inch-thick, steel-reinforced cement slabs.

Around 1935, the state of Utah signed over Main Street to Payson City. Since it was no longer a state road, maintaining Main Street was now Payson’s responsibility.

Since approximately 1935, Payson City has never had the financial ability to update the infrastructure under Main Street. The road has undergone numerous repaving efforts through the years, yet the underlying infrastructure remained untouched, with the exception of addressing specific failures as they occurred.

Surprisingly, the foundational elements of the road, such as drainage systems and supporting structures, have yet to see a comprehensive replacement in a staggering 80 to 100 years.

We asked the Utah Department of Transportation for some financial help. That effort was unsuccessful. So, we went to the Utah State Legislature and received $5 million to fix the road’s issues. Since we were already working on Main Street, the City Council appropriated $3.4 million to improve the esthetics of the two-block business area.

Before the COVID pandemic, the $5 million from the Utah State Legislature would have covered replacing the infrastructure and rebuilding Main Street from 100 North to 700 South. However, due to post-COVID cost increases, we won’t be able to go all the way to 700 South. The funds will now take us only up to 300 South on Main Street.

Although we’ve scaled back the streetscape plans, we’re committed to creating a beautiful, business-friendly atmosphere on Main Street.

The excavation behind the ERA building, previously the Wells Fargo building, is for a water retention project. The plan involves creating an underground retention pond to manage water runoff. Once completed, the parking lot will be reconstructed over this retention pond.

We’re closely collaborating with the Main Street businesses to support them during the challenging construction period. We secured a $200,000 Community Development Block Grant to aid them. Furthermore, the city is making an additional $100,000 available for businesses to enhance their rear entrances.

These financial resources aim to lessen the impact of construction on local businesses and contribute to overall improvements in the area.

Undoubtedly, this project is challenging for the city and Main Street businesses, but it’s necessary. We’re staying closely connected with the businesses and the contractors to make things smoother for everyone.

Despite the road and streetscape reconstruction, all businesses will stay open. There’s parking available behind the businesses, so please follow the signs. We’ve also added approximately 30 angle parking spots along 100 East from 100 North to 100 South.

Your support for our local Historic Downtown businesses is crucial, especially during this construction period.

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