Genola fails to act on proposed Utah Lake bridge

GENOLA, Utah County — A developer who plans to span Utah Lake with a private, six-mile toll bridge failed to get the endorsement from the Genola Town Council on Wednesday.

It wasn't because they didn't like the idea. In fact, council members seemed impressed. But the developer's request wasn't on the agenda as an action item, which precluded the council from acting on it.

Developer Leon Harward said he is gathering as many political backers as he can to bolster the Utah Crossing Inc. project before submitting his final application with the state Department of Natural Resources.

The idea first started as a causeway, Harward said, but as studies progressed over a seven-year period, he settled on a bridge 35 feet above the lake, rising to 50 feet in the center and allowing sailboats to sail under it.

The bridge would connect 800 North in Orem to Redwood Road in Saratoga Springs, just north of Pelican Point, initially with two lanes. Later, as west-side population and traffic increases, another twin bridge would span the lake next to it, giving eastbound and westbound travelers three lanes each. The first bridge is estimated to cost $300 million.

Utah Crossing already has purchased rights-of-way for the bridge on both sides of the lake, Harward said.

The toll likely would match the price of a gallon of gas, he said, giving motorists an even choice whether to zip across the lake or fight traffic around it.

A Florida bridge design firm has completed the design work, Harward said. Construction could begin soon and employ as many as 400 workers.

The project calls for a 9-foot-wide walkway and space under the roadway for utilities, except for gas lines that would be attached externally. Utility companies already have asked for easements, he said.

e-mail: rodger@desnews.com