Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1
Replacement and Resiliency Project
Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 Construction Project
The Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 Project (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, will began construction on the Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 project (AA-1). 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.
Construction Updates & Current Impacts
UTILITY WORK & ROAD CLOSURE SHIFTING
Starting as early as Monday, May 5, crews may begin utility work along a segment of 1060 North between 1360 East (Somerset Drive) and 1450 East (Ashby Place). Residents can expect the following impacts during this work:
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No street parking will be permitted along this segment of road as work persists.
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Crews will be on-site diverting traffic away from the work zone. All through traffic will be detoured to 1110 North.
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A few homeowners along this segment of road will need to bypass the road closure to directly access their driveway. In this case, a crew member will direct the vehicle in and out of the work zone as needed.
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This work is anticipated to last for up to three weeks.
Because this utility work is interconnected, crews are moving in a continuous path from the current work on Somerset Drive to this segment of 1060 North. This work cannot be completed using a fully segmented process where one section is fully completed, paved, and reopened before the next can begin.
Instead, our crews are following behind the active utility work to back pave the open trenches as work progresses. While access to Somerset Drive will gradually reopen as work shifts toward 1060 North, access and travel along Somerset Drive will not fully return to normal until the back paving is complete and the full transition to 1060 North is made.
Please see below for a map of the work zone and restricted parking area. Residents will be alerted of any anticipated impacts to utility services throughout the duration of the project.
ROAD CLOSURE
Starting Tuesday, April 8, crews will begin preparing portions of 1360 East (Somerset Dr) and 1060 North for utility work which will begin on Wednesday. This work will require crews to set up road closures along these streets and divert residents to 1560 East for neighborhood access. This closure is anticipated to last up to 3 weeks. Residents can expect the following impacts:
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All traffic will be diverted to 1560 East for neighborhood access.
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A few homeowners along this segment of road will need to bypass the road closure to directly access their driveway. If this pertains to you, a crew member will direct your vehicle in and out of the area as needed. Please DO NOT enter the work zone on your own.
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No street parking will be permitted along these segments of road as work persists.
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Crews will be on-site diverting traffic away from the work zone.
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Drivers should slow down and follow all posted signage and crew instructions.
Moving cones or signage to gain access through the work zone is strictly prohibited and puts both crew members and residents at risk. A map of the road closure and detour routes is included below. Please note that residents will be alerted of any anticipated impacts to utility services throughout the duration of the project.
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:
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Daytime work, Monday - Saturday
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Between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
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Increased dust, noise, and vibration
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Daytime driveway closures (up to two days)
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Park strip tree removal and landscaping impacts
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Minor utility service interruptions
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Major utility relocations
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Parking restrictions
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Traffic detours
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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:
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Stay Alert & Slow Down - Please drive at reduced speeds and be prepared to stop if needed.
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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.
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Watch for Workers - Many crew members are working close to active traffic. Be mindful as you pass them and give them plenty of space.
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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.
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Stay on Designated Walking Paths - This ongoing utility work requires crews to excavate along the roadway. While sidewalks remain open, pedestrians must stay on designated walking paths and should never enter the roadway or approach open trenches or construction equipment at any time.
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 EA, Final Project Report (Phase II), and Phase I Report.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact a project representative:
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Hotline: 385-376-4400
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Email: info@alpineaqueduct.com
To receive regular email updates throughout construction, please email info@alpineaqueduct.com and enter “Email Updates” in the subject line.
© 2025 by Horrocks.