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Roundabouts in the Heber Valley Corridor Bypass Project
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 32 minutes ago
We at Lythgoe Design Group are an architecture firm based in Heber City. We have deep roots here and want to make sure that we do our part to ensure that the Heber Valley Corridor bypass project is done in a way that helps the community grow in a responsible manner.
As an architecture firm, we take our role in shaping the community seriously. Though the bypass is not an architectural project, it is something that will dramatically impact our community, and we feel it is important to look at all possible solutions. For that reason, we have taken it upon ourselves to look at options that are more contextually appropriate for our community.
As part of the Heber Valley Corridor, UDOT has proposed the use of overpasses, flyover ramps, and elevated roadways as a method for providing mobility to regional traffic. These elements of infrastructure may be a straightforward approach to the traffic problems that the community will face as traffic increases, but we must ask ourselves if that is what fits in the context of our community. An area of particular concern is at the south end of Heber City, where an elevated roadway and overpasses would run past residential areas, cutting off access to commercial businesses and local roads.
We are proposing that UDOT incorporate roundabouts in the bypass plan in place of the proposed interchanges. Roundabouts are a safer, cheaper, more beautiful and more environmentally responsible way to provide connection through and around the community than overpasses, flyover ramps, elevated roadways, and signalized intersections.
Roundabouts are a proven traffic-calming measure that reduce the number and severity of crashes, allow for the smooth flow of traffic, reduce emissions due to stopping and acceleration, can accommodate large vehicles, and can be beautifully designed. They can fit within a relatively small footprint, are safer for pedestrians and non-motorized transportation, and don’t inhibit the views that the people of this valley love.
We feel it is also important to address the hierarchy that is communicated in both UDOT’s proposed solution and in our proposed concept. With the large elevated roadways cutting through the south end of town, you are putting the traffic up on a pedestal, and saying that is what is taking priority. As a part of our concept, we propose that the roads that lead into “The Hub” roundabout have elevated pedestrian walkways that facilitate the safe crossing of pedestrians and cyclists. These emphasize the safety of pedestrians, allow for walkability and local connection, and could frame a beautiful gateway into the city.
Wickenburg, Arizona is an example that we have drawn inspiration from as we have looked at incorporating roundabouts into the bypass. Located on the direct route between Las Vegas and Phoenix, Highway 93 sees a large amount of traffic, including freight traffic. From the 2000’s up until 2024, seven new roundabouts have been constructed along 5 miles of the highway and have taken that highway traffic off of Tegner Street, allowing for a safer, more walkable, and more vibrant downtown.
There are many other examples of roundabouts that have been integrated into US and State HIghways and Routes, especially in Washington, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. There are some municipalities, like Carmel, Indiana, that have fully embraced the roundabout, and have seen incredible benefits as they have converted traditional intersections into roundabouts.
A recent study, “Livable Streets and Quality of Life,” from the University of Utah’s Metropolitan Research Center reports that “well designed traffic calming saves lives, improves safety, and enhances, not diminishes, the quality of life.” This report was prepared for the Salt Lake City Transportation Division, but the evidence presented would be perfectly applicable in the Heber Valley, at roundabouts on the bypass, and at locations where highways interface with local roads. We would encourage UDOT to consider this report while looking into the application of roundabouts instead of the proposed interchanges.
We believe that by taking these things into consideration, UDOT can come up with interchange solutions that are more appropriate than the ones presented.
We encourage you to send your comments to UDOT by March 9th at https://hebervalleyeis.udot.utah.gov/#comments. Please share comments with your ideas for solutions, and if our research resonates with you as a more appropriate solution, please share that in your comments. Also, reach out to your local elected leaders to encourage them to consider these possible solutions.
Thank you,
Lythgoe Design Group
Addendum: Semi's and Roundabouts
A lot of people are concerned that semi's, especially the double-long tankers that go down Main Street all the time, won't be able to navigate or fit through a roundabout. We must remember that the individuals who drive these large vehicles are professionals who are trained to be able to navigate the roadways, and though most trucking routes don't include roundabouts, those that do, can facilitate the movement of large and long tractor trailers quite easily.
For example, take a look at this video below of a double-long side-dump semi and the way that it is able to easily (although slowly) enter a roundabout, properly and safely go around (using the red truck aprons for their intended purpose) and take the third exit on the roundabout. And that is on a relatively small roundabout!
Here is another video that informs truck drivers of how to use roundabouts, and the features that allow for large trucks to use them safely.
Thank you for checking out this information. We appreciate your interest!
Additional Resources
Presentation slides presented by Lane Lythgoe of Lythgoe Design Group to the Heber City Council/Wasatch County Council Joint Meeting on February 24, 2026.
Roundabouts are good for the planet. Why don't we see more in America? - Context News by the Thomson Reuters Foundation
Livable Streets and Quality of Life - University of Utah Metropolitan Research Center Report - Ewing et al.
Government webpage with numerous resources concerning the benefits, applications, and guidelines of roundabouts