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LEHI -- The Utah Department of Transportation is making some changes to its plans for a new highway in Utah County because a family of hawks is living right where the road is supposed to go.
The new Pioneer Crossing highway, which will connect Saratoga Springs and Interstate 15, is slated to be built right through an area of trees in Lehi. A closer looks shows that's exactly where a family of red-tailed hawks is nesting.
"They are a federally protected species, especially during their nesting season, most raptors are, in the United States: eagles, hawks and falcons," said UDOT spokesman Scott Thompson.
When UDOT learned of the hawks and the nest, crews immediately put up a line to ensure the hawks are not disturbed by construction work, and work in the area is on hold until the hawks migrate.
"We have given them an 800-foot barrier on either side. Construction on the project is continuing outside of that buffer, both here toward American Fork Main Street and to Redwood Road. We have a lot of construction going on, and there is a lot of work to be done outside of this little area," Thompson said.
UDOT is so concerned about making sure the hawks are not disturbed, the construction company has a birdwatcher on hand anytime work is going on to ensure the hawks are not negatively affected from the project.
"We will have someone here monitoring the birds to make sure they are comfortable and not agitated by our work and our construction," Thompson said.
It is believed there is a male and female hawk and that the female hawk is sitting on a nest of eggs. The eggs are expected to hatch by July, and soon after the hawk family should be ready to move on.
"We'll get in there when the hawks are out, and we anticipate that to be later this summer," Thompson said.
When the hawks move out, the roadwork will require the trees to be cut down. Overall, UDOT says the Pioneer Crossing project is on schedule and will open about six months from now, in November.
Watching the hawks
Bird watching station: It is some distance away from the trees, so you will have to bring a spotting scope or binoculars. [CLICK HERE for the official birdwatching station]
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
