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.

Construction Updates & Current Impacts

PAVING ON 1060 NORTH

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, and Wednesday, Sept. 3, crews will repave 1060 North between Somerset Drive and 1560 East. During this work, access to driveways and 1060 North will be temporarily closed.

What to Expect

Tuesday, Sept. 2

No driveway or street access along 1060 North from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No street parking along 1060 North.
Vehicles that will be needed during the day should be moved from driveways by 7 a.m.
Sidewalks will remain open. Please do not cross the roadway on foot until paving is complete.

Wednesday, Sept. 3

1060 North will reopen to vehicles.
Crews will complete asphalt work along the existing curbs.

For questions about this work, please contact the project team using the channels provided.

INTERSECTION CLOSURES

As early as Friday, Aug. 22, crews will implement new intersection closures and detours in the neighborhood:

1060 North 1360 East Intersection Closure

Utility work will begin along 1360 East (Somerset Drive) near 1060 North. Due to the location of this work, residents accessing the west side of 1060 North will be detoured up to 1110 North and 1450 East (Ashby Place). There will be no access to 1060 North from 1360 East during this closure. This closure and detour are expected to last through mid-September.

1060 North 1560 East Intersection Closure

Additional work will occur at the 1060 North and 1560 East intersection. A temporary road will be in place for residents to access homes in the 1110 North cul-de-sac. There will be no access to 1060 North from 1560 East during this closure. To access 1060 North, residents must utilize 1400 East. This closure and detour are expected to last through October.

BLASTING OPERATIONS

Crews are preparing to begin controlled blasting operations near the northeast corner of 1560 East in Orem. These operations will begin as early as Wednesday, July 23, and are necessary to construct a tunnel and shaft that will allow the aqueduct to be installed along its new alignment (see map below for details).

What to Expect

Time Frame: As early as Wednesday, July 23, and continuing through fall 2025.
Frequency: 1-2 controlled blasts each day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Pre-Blast Warning: A series of audible horn signals will sound in advance of each blast:
- 5 short horn blasts = Blast within 5 minutes
- 3 short horn blasts = Blast within 1 minute
- 1 long horn blast = All clear
What You'll Notice:
- Increased noise
  - Drilling blast holes
  - Heavy machinery
  - Pre-blast warnings
  - A loud sound during the blast
- Post-blast rumblings and low-frequency sounds
- Ground vibrations
- Increased dust
- Vibration monitors distributed throughout the project area

About Blasting

Controlled blasting is a precise and regulated construction method used to break apart rock for tunneling and excavation. Each blast is carefully planned, permitted, and executed by licensed professionals following strict safety and environmental regulations. All surrounding areas are secured prior to each blast.

Safety & Coordination

Safety is our top priority. The project team is coordinating closely with local authorities, emergency services, and city officials to keep them informed of these operations. Crews will enforce and maintain all safety regulations near the site while blasting operations persist. Vibration monitors will be placed throughout the area to ensure all activity remains within safe and regulated limits. Blasting materials will be safely transported and stored offsite during non-work hours.

Ongoing Utility Relocation Work

Crews are continuing to make progress on utility relocations along 1060 North and 1560 East. Multiple teams are working throughout the project area, and detours or road closures will remain in place or occasionally shift as work advances. Please continue to use caution and follow posted signage when navigating the work zone.

We recognize that this work is disruptive and appreciate your patience as we complete these necessary infrastructure improvements. This utility and excavation work is expected to continue through fall 2025. Construction will continue through early 2027; however, activities will slow during the winter and then resume throughout the neighborhood in early March, weather permitting.

Please note that no street parking is allowed within the work zone at any time. Any resident vehicles parked within the work zone will be towed.

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.

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.

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 EA, Final Project Report (Phase II), and Phase I Report.

Contact Information

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

Hotline: 385-376-4400
Email: info@alpineaqueduct.com

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

Alpine Aqueduct Reach 1 Replacement and Resiliency Project