The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has announced the inception of an environmental study that will consider the implementation of tolling and an enhancement of bus service along the state route 190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This initiation comes in response to directives outlined in Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) from 2023, to alleviate traffic congestion during the winter seasons. As outlined in UDOT's recent press release, this initiative is firmly rooted in the legislative guidance to provide enhanced bus service, tolling, a mobility hub, and resort bus stops for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
Although the community seeks to address the mounting traffic pressure faced by the scenic canyon, the study here will explore a suite of potential improvements. According to UDOT, these options include buses that run as frequently as every five to ten minutes from a mobility hub during peak times, enclosed bus stops at the resorts, minor road improvements to support the bus system, and a variable-priced tolling system that will begin just below Solitude Entry 1 for the winter season.
Speaking on the matter, UDOT Project Manager Devin Weder stated, as per UDOT, "Our goal is to use the money already provided by the legislature to address traffic in the canyon now and into the future." Weder further emphasized that "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."
UDOT is opening up the dialogue to public input with scheduled meetings on the 13th and 14th of November, allowing for exchange between study team members and the community. The in-person event will be held on November 13 at Butler Elementary School, featuring an open house format. The following day will host a virtual meeting, complete with a presentation and a Q&A session. As detailed by UDOT, Weder pointed out that the "road is already at capacity during peak times and our models show travel demand is expected to increase by 2050." He invited people who visit the canyon to "learn more about what we're proposing as a solution and share their insights with us" during the upcoming events.
A public comment period is set to commence on November 13 and will run through December 13. UDOT is encouraging the public to bring forth their observations or concerns relating to the current traffic conditions, the preliminary purpose and needs of the project, as well as the community and natural environmental resources that merit consideration in the study. All interested parties are urged to review the project documents, attend the public meetings, and submit their comments as noted on the project website once the comment period opens.
