UDOT announced that the next phase of road construction to extend the Vineyard Connector will get underway as early as Monday. The road is a key corridor for Vineyard City and currently ends at Main Street.

“The road is critical for the growth of our city,” said Ezra Nair, city manager.

With this project, UDOT will build the next two-lane connection from Main Street to the 1600 North area. The Vineyard Connector construction between 800 North and 1600 North will begin in earnest this spring.

“We have been working closely with the city to design this project to make sure it is compatible with the development of their future town center. This new extension will enhance Vineyard City’s transportation system, making it easier for residents and visitors to get where they want to go,” said Tyrel Edwards, UDOT project manager.

For residents who may be concerned about the effects of the construction — from sound and dust to nighttime lights — Edwards said UDOT is working hard to mitigate those disturbances, especially with keeping the dust down.

Crews are scheduled to begin clearing the ground and installing or relocating utility lines over the coming weeks. Once this work is complete, crews will begin building the road. The project is anticipated to be complete in fall 2023.

“We are so excited for this connector,” city council member Cristy Welsh said. “It will give additional access to the city.”

The road will have sidewalks on both sides, landscaping and curbs, along with some form of median according to Edwards. There will be two lanes both ways for now but the road is designed for future expansion to four lanes each way.

Just as the second phase is completed, the beginning of a pedestrian, bike and car overpass will begin in 2024 and, ideally, be finished by 2025. The overpass will lead people to the new Vineyard Station downtown area.

The connector will eventually end in Lehi as funding becomes available according to Geoff Dupaix, UDOT senior communications manager.

The first section of the Vineyard Connector was completed in 2014 and connected the central area of the developing city to 800 North and Geneva Road in Orem. This next $15 million section will tie into the Main Street intersection and connect back to Vineyard Road near the Lindon Boat Harbor. Vineyard City is also working on a project to extend 1600 North, which will provide additional access into the city from the north.

Construction activities are subject to change due to weather, equipment issues, or materials availability. For more information, or to sign up for project updates, people can contact the project hotline at 385-853-VINE (8463), email the project team at vineyardconnector@utah.gov, or visit the website at http://udotinput.utah.gov/vineyardconnector.