820 N Interchange and Road Widening

I have had several people ask me questions about the 820 N interchange and road widening, so I wanted to take a moment to clarify some confusion and correct some misinformation on this issue.

🚧 820 Interchange: The Whole Story

There’s been talk recently that Provo played a role in stopping UDOT’s study of a potential freeway interchange at 820 North. Here’s what really happened:

• UDOT made the decision to cancel the study three years ago. This is a matter of public record. It was an internal planning decision by UDOT, and Provo’s administration did not influence it.
• I personally informed the Mayor and Deputy Mayor—more than once—that UDOT was no longer pursuing the interchange.
• At the time of cancellation (2.5 years ago), $2.9 million remained unspent from the original study funds. These funds sat unused until June 2025, when UDOT placed an item on the agenda to return the money to the general fund.
• After the agenda was already posted, Mayor Kaufusi submitted a letter of support—for a vote that was already headed toward unanimous approval. I was surprised to see her later announcement that she had helped “stop the freeway study.” If that were the case, that announcement should have come years ago, when UDOT actually ended the study.
• UDOT might still decide to revisit an interchange at some point, but it will not happen in the next 15-20 years.
   

🏘️ Widening 820 North: What’s at Stake

Though UDOT cancelled the study for the 820 North interchange, the city’s governing documents mean that the 820 North widening is still on the table. Provo has already spent millions purchasing single-family homes along 820 North—about 15 so far—using corridor preservation funds. These purchases were based on plans for a future interchange and the designation of 820 North as a five-lane arterial road in the Transportation Master Plan (TMP).

• Unless the TMP is updated by the City Council and Mayor, Provo City will continue buying homes along 820 North.
• Not only does this reduce our stock of single-family housing, but it also weakens neighborhood character and long-term livability.
   
• The city is paying between 450,000-$550,00 for these homes, which is far less than market value. Because the homes are redlined on the master plan, they are devalued.

Yes, Provo Needs Better East-West Access—But Let’s Be Smart About It

Widening roads is not the only answer. In fact, studies show that road widening often increases traffic, creating cycles of congestion and a decline in quality of life. Here are some other ideas:

• Improve existing roads, like Geneva Road, with consistent bike lanes/paths and a turn lane. We can also improve 820 North by creating lanes for Freedom Academy traffic to alleviate congestion during school start and end times. 
• Create new East-West connections to reduce congestion on any one street and reduce the funneling effect; for example, complete 610 N to Independence Ave.
• Expand public transportation and support active transportation options.
• Involve the community—residents, planners, engineers, and business owners—to collaborate and better understand both regional and local needs and concerns.

Questions we need to ask

• What kind of city do we want to leave our children in 10 or 20 years?
• Can we protect neighborhoods while still solving transportation needs?
• Are we choosing the same old thing because we have always done it that way, or because it is best long-term?

Once we tear down homes and widen a road, we can’t go back. Let’s protect what makes Provo special while planning wisely for the future.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged. Please let me know if you have any comments, questions, or issues you would like me to address.