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UDOT Study

“Big Cottonwood Canyon is a gateway to some of Utah’s best winter activities. We’re keeping this study focused on the improvements outlined in Senate Bill 2 to address the canyon’s transportation needs. Our goal is to use the money already provided by the legislature to address traffic in the canyon now and into the future.” – UDOT Project Manager Devin Weder

Study Overview

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) was directed by Utah Senate Bill 2 (SB2) to conduct an environmental study focused on managing winter traffic congestion along SR 190. Project features that UDOT is considering as part of the study include:

  • Enhanced bus service for Big Cottonwood Canyon with buses running from a mobility hub near the canyon’s mouth every five to ten minutes during peak hours
  • Enclosed bus stops at the resorts
  • Minor improvements to the existing Silver Fork, Cardiff Fork, and Spruces bus stops
  • Winter-season tolling system starting below Solitude Entry 1 with variable pricing

The Stakes for Brighton

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) was directed by Utah Senate Bill 2 (SB2) to conduct an environmental study focused on managing The importance of the UDOT Big Cottonwood Canyon Study really can’t be overstated. Its findings will have a direct impact on the easement Solitude requires for the Old Stage Road Parking lot project, the feasibility of concepts in the Brighton Nodes study, and guide our entire approach to canyon transportation management for years.

While we can make educated guesses about the study’s likely outcomes, the reality is that we won’t know for sure until its completion in Spring 2026. This waiting period gives us an opportunity to define our principles and prepare for the decisions that will shape our canyon’s future.

Study Process & Schedule

Complete
Spring 2024 – Fall 2024
Pre-Scoping Activities

  • Review of past studies
  • Identify environmental resources
  • Local government presentations
  • Stakeholder working group meeting
  • Public outreach

Complete
Fall 2024 – Winter 2024
Scoping:

  • Existing conditions traffic analysis & projected 2050 no-action conditions
  • Develop study’s purpose and need
  • Develop proposed concept
  • Public Scoping meetings (virtual and in-person) and comment period
  • Local government presentations
  • Stakeholder working group meeting
  • Public outreach

Live/Current
Winter 2024 – Fall/Winter 2025
Environmental Study:

  • Refine action alternative
  • Analyze environmental impacts
  • Prepare and publish environmental document
  • Local government presentations
  • Stakeholder working group meeting
  • Public hearings (virtual and in person) and comment period
  • Public outreach

Planned
Spring 2026
Decision:

  • Respond to public comments
  • Revise environmental document as appropriate
  • Issue decision document
  • Stakeholder working group meeting
  • Local government presentations