Future of New Bingham Highway discussed

Kennecott Utah Copper officials also oppose West Jordan's plans because New Bingham Highway is the company's only designated truck route to the copper mine in Bingham Canyon.

"It's critical to our operations," said Larry Bunkall, Kennecott's assistant director of government and public affairs.

Mayor Newton said city planners have taken into account the needs of Kennecott and Copperton residents in its long-range plan.

Under the plan, 9000 South would be expanded to meet Kennecott's needs for hauling large equipment, instead of New Bingham Highway, he said. As for Copperton residents, they'll have several east-west options connecting to S.R. 111.

"We won't cut off anybody," Newton said. "We won't cut off Copperton. We won't cut off Kennecott Copper. There will have to be alternatives for this to work."

Steinvorth said state and city officials will need to work together, along with the Wasatch Front Regional Council, to discuss plans for New Bingham Highway. But neither West Jordan nor UDOT knows when that will happen.

"At some point we'll have to address it," Steinvorth said. "Right now, it's just informational."

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