The 7200 West alignment would take the corridor through the Hunter Subdivision, one of the nicest residential areas, said city administrator Wayne Pyle. For a while, the option was not possible due to the fact that the south part ventured into Alliant Techsystems' property. Recently the company has given the OK to build through their land.

The 7200 West freeway option could require about 200 homes to be demolished. However, some council members are concerned that having the freeway more centralized, at 5800 West, could divide the city.

"We understand and recognize that we're going to have significant issues with any alignment," Pyle said. Simply put, building a freeway amid a city that's close to reaching its development capacity is tough, he said.

However, Pyle said the 5800 West option also has more positive opportunities for future commercial development along the freeway.

Transit options are also being considered for West Valley City. In addition to the future TRAX line, UTA is looking at a possible transit line along 5600 West. UTA officials are thinking the line could be a dedicated rapid bus line or even some form of streetcar system — a first in Utah. A bus rapid transit line is also being considered to follow the 7200 West option. In addition, a multi-use trail would follow both freeway options.

UDOT project manager Teri Newell said her team has strived to keep all affected cities up to date. The team has visited each of the 12 cities, some several times.

So far, Newell said planning is still in the concept stage and no solid plans are being formed yet. "It's a long, slow process we're in," Newell said, adding that a good two years of discussion and feedback remain before an environmental study will be completed.

Newell said UDOT definitely has no plan to build something like Bangerter. "Our data is showing us that there is a need for a freeway in the area," complete with interchanges and overpasses, Newell said.

Newell said city officials in West Valley should be getting a clearer picture of the project in the coming months.

Councilman Joel Coleman said he feels UDOT officials have listened to their concerns so far. As far as alignments, Coleman said he would favor one that would displace the smallest number least amount of homes. Coleman also said he is concerned that the project could end up as another Bangerter Highway, saying that UDOT needs to find the funding to do it right, or not at all.

"I really think that they shouldn't build it, rather than not build it the way it should be," Coleman said.

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