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Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1
Replacement and Resiliency Project

Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 Construction Project

The Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 (AA-1) is a critical water supply facility that services over 1.6 million Utahns. The current alignment of AA-1 is approximately 1.4 miles in length and runs from the Olmsted Reservoir (near the mouth of Provo Canyon) to the Don A. Christiansen Regional Water Treatment Plant (DACRWTP), north of 800 North in Orem.

In March, the Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD), in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior, began construction on the Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 project. This essential project will realign the existing aqueduct to better protect residents and maintain reliable water service. This project includes installing a new 108-inch diameter aqueduct along 1060 North, and sections of Somerset Drive (1360 East) and 1560 East in Orem. The project is expected to be complete in early 2027. To receive regular email updates throughout construction, please email info@alpineaqueduct.com and enter “Email Updates” in the subject line.

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Construction Updates & Current Impacts

Road Closure Extending East

As early as Friday, June 13, the current road closure and utility work on 1060 North will be extended east to 1560 East (see map for details). Drivers will need to utilize the designated detour routes to access the neighborhood.

 

What to Expect:

  • No through traffic will be allowed in the work zone.

  • No street parking is allowed in the work zone. Any resident vehicles parked within the work zone will be towed. Residents should utilize nearby side streets for parking.

  • Driveway access will be maintained. Residents whose driveways are accessed directly from the road closure area will be permitted access through the work zone whenever possible. Residents should wait for a crew member to escort them safely through the work zone before entering during working hours.

 

1510 East Cul-de-sac Access
Crews will make every effort to maintain vehicle access for residents living in the cul-de-sac on 1510 East. However, residents should approach the work zone slowly and confirm with the crew that access is possible before entering.

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Mailbox Impacts

As part of this utility relocation work, crews have begun removing mailboxes that inhibit construction activities along 1060 North. The project team will make every effort to carefully remove and preserve each mailbox; however, some damage is expected due to the nature of the work.

  • Mailboxes will be stored off-site until late 2026, when they will be reinstalled as part of the neighborhood and park strip restoration.

  • Before reinstallation in late 2026, the project team will coordinate directly with each homeowner to determine the most appropriate replacement or restoration plan based on the condition of the original mailbox. If a mailbox is damaged beyond repair during removal, our team will provide any salvaged pieces upon request.

Waterline Installation on Somerset Drive & 1060 North

Beginning as early as Monday, June 2, crews will begin work to install a new underground water line along a portion of Somerset Drive between 1110 North and 1060 North. A new water line will also be installed along 1060 North. This work will include:

  • Cutting into the roadway.

  • Installing a new water lines.

  • Backfilling and temporarily patching the roadway surface.

This work is anticipated to last approximately through July. Roadway access will be maintained; however, drivers should slow down and use extra caution when traveling around the work zone. Crews and equipment will be present along this section of road throughout the installation. Minor water service interruptions are expected during this work and will be communicated directly to affected homeowners in advance.

 

Trail Access

For your safety, the trails in this area have been temporarily rerouted to accommodate construction activities for the Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 project. Please use the updated route shown on the map below and stay alert for construction vehicles and equipment crossing or operating near the trail. If you have questions, please contact the project team using the information provided.

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What to Expect During Construction

In 2025, the AA-1 project team will relocate utilities throughout the neighborhood to prepare the area for the new aqueduct which will be installed in 2026. Here are some things you can expect during construction this year:

  • Daytime work, Monday - Saturday

    • ​Between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

  • Increased dust, noise, and vibration

  • Daytime driveway closures (up to two days)

  • Park strip tree removal and landscaping impacts

  • Minor utility service interruptions

  • Major utility relocations

  • Parking restrictions

  • Traffic detours

  • Regular notices from the project team regarding impacts

Work Zone Safety

As crews continue work in the neighborhood, we kindly ask that all residents and drivers practice extra caution in and around the work zone. Please help us maintain a safe environment by keeping these important safety guidelines in mind:

  • Stay Alert & Slow Down - Please drive at reduced speeds and be prepared to stop if needed.

  • Make Eye Contact – When passing near workers or heavy equipment, make eye contact with crew members and machinery operators to ensure they see you and can react accordingly.

  • Watch for Workers - Many crew members are working close to active traffic. Be mindful as you pass them and give them plenty of space.

  • Follow All Signs & Crew Instructions – Traffic control measures are in place for your safety. Please obey all posted signage and directions from flaggers or workers on-site.

  • Stay on Designated Walking Paths - Ongoing utility work requires crews to excavate along the roadway. While some sidewalks remain open, others may be temporarily closed. Please watch for posted signs indicating sidewalk closures and follow all detour instructions. Pedestrians must stay on designated walking paths and should never enter the roadway.

  • Avoid Trenches and Construction Equipment - For your safety and the safety of our crews, never approach open trenches or construction equipment at any time. These areas can be extremely dangerous, even if they appear inactive. This video highlights the risks of getting too close to active excavation zones.

Check out this video for more ideas on ways to stay safe when travelling in and around our work zones. Thank you for keeping our work zone safe for everyone!

Previous Meetings & Events

A Neighborhood Meeting was held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, to provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the project and understand expected impacts to the neighborhood. The presentation from that meeting can be found here.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, a Meet the Contractor event was held to inform residents of the latest information regarding construction updates and timeline. The boards displayed at that meeting can be found here.

We sincerely appreciate the participation we received at these meetings. As construction progresses, updates will continue to be provided directly to residents.

Why Was This Alignment Selected?

CUWCD completed a comprehensive resiliency study of the Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 to understand the risks associated with the existing alignment. The major risks to the aqueduct are seismic events and landslide movement. The study developed several aqueduct realignment alternatives and evaluated each according to the project resiliency and operation criteria. Using the resiliency study recommendations, CUWCD and the Department of the Interior, as Joint Lead Agencies, completed a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study, along with additional studies to determine the best alignment.

Following a public meeting, the agencies selected a Preferred Alternative with the alignment that included 1060 North because it avoids the landslide complex, improves the physical integrity, functionality, and long-term viability of the aqueduct. For more information on the environmental process, view the FONSI and Final EAFinal Project Report (Phase II), and Phase I Report.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact a project representative:

 

To receive regular email updates throughout construction, please email info@alpineaqueduct.com and enter “Email Updates” in the subject line.

© 2025 by Horrocks

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