Commission approves Salem Parkway change order as costs rise amid right‑of‑way, environmental delays

The Utah County Commission approved a change order for the Salem Parkway project after county staff described several drivers of a roughly 33% cost increase.

Public Works staff said the project has encountered delays in acquiring right of way, additional time and cost for wetlands approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and significant commodity‑price volatility that will require more construction‑management oversight. "What we're seeing is... the time it's taking to get right of way purchased because of the daily changes in right‑of‑way costs," staff said.

A commissioner said the increase—about a half‑million dollars on this project—illustrates why the county should accelerate projects where feasible to avoid paying more later. Staff noted they are working with landowners and continuing acquisitions. The motion to approve item 9 passed on an aye voice vote recorded as 2–0.

Staff will continue right‑of‑way negotiations and track cost changes as the project proceeds.