LINDON — The planned Heritage Trail, a route for nonmotorized use that would connect east and west Lindon, is stirring up strong mixed emotions among city residents.

City planners have held several events to discuss plans for the trail during the two years it has been in the works. It seems that residents either love the trail or hate the very idea of it.

Most controversial is the decision to create an underpass beneath State Street to connect the trail's east and west legs.

Planners decided on an underpass after reviewing several options, including two street-surface crossings and a pedestrian overpass.

While an underpass is the most expensive option, it was rated the best for safety, desirability of crossing, desirability of alignment, multiuse functionality and environmental considerations.

The underpass will be a straight shot under the street to allow for optimal visibility and will be 10 feet high by 16 feet wide and have 24-hour lighting.

The city distributed 2,600 mailers to city residents recently, and of the 43 responses sent back, 32 were in favor of the underpass and trail. Adam Cowie, Lindon's planing and zoning director, said that those who stopped by the city's booth at the August 2005 Lindon Days celebration were in favor of the project.

"Out of the choices, I feel like the underpass is the best one," said resident Sharon Davey. "I can't say that a surface crossing thrilled me, and for the safety of both kids and motorists, an overpass is not the best idea either."

Feelings were less hospitable at the open house held Thursday to discuss plans for the trail. Of the 55 to 60 residents who attended, most were concerned that the underpass will become a hot spot for crime and graffiti.

"West of State Street, no one wants this," DeAnn Terry said. "If the city has money to spend, let's get a recreational center or a library. ... This is a waste of money, and it's going to be dangerous."

Pleasant Grove/Lindon Police Chief Cody Cullimore believes those fears of crime in the underpass are unfounded.

"We're very, very lucky to have very few crimes in this area," he said. "People are saying that there will be rapes, crimes, murders and gang violence. We don't have gangs now. I don't see people changing that much just because a trail or tunnel comes in."

Complications could arise while diverting traffic on the busy thoroughfare during the construction of the underpass, according to Geoff Dupaix of Utah Department of Transportation.

"From our perspective, it's going to be a challenge to minimize the impacts," Dupaix said.

UDOT and Lindon are working together to decide how best to resolve the issue.

The underpass will be constructed during the first phase of the two-phase project. Phase 1 is scheduled to begin this summer and will be complete by the fall of 2007.

Once completed, the trail will be opened to all nonmotorized transportation, including jogging, bicycles and horseback riding.

Lindon has agreed to pay $332,000 for the trail, but most of the project will be funded through federal money.

The city will accept comments through June 30 by comment card or by e-mail at jsmart@langdongroupinc.com.

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E-mail: alorimer@desnews.com