"This project, if we do it, will be a $3.5 billion project," he said. "That's B for big, billion. There are people north of the Point of the Mountain who would love to take those billions for other things."

The option supported by the mayors, known as Option A, would add frontage roads from the University Parkway exit in Orem down to Provo Center Street. More than 400 residents of the Grandview Hill neighborhood in Provo met at an elementary school Wednesday night to protest that option because it would bring new offramps through the neighborhood on a direct route to Brigham Young University.

Billings said his staff is addressing the neighbors' concerns.

Both mayors said national groups continue to consider Provo and Orem to be safe cities that are family friendly.

"Really," Washburn said, "these are the most livable places in the world."

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