As winter storms make their presence known in Utah, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is ramping up efforts to ensure the safety and mobility of travellers. According to ABC4, UDOT crews from the Cottonwood Maintenance Station are working extensive hours amid the wintry conditions, with a focus on the canyons that are seeing an influx of visitors due to the opening of ski resorts. Echoing the sentiments of preparedness, Shawn Wright from UDOT emphasized the importance of proper vehicle equipment, advising that cars lacking the necessary winter gear will be turned around.
As the snowfall intensifies, UDOT has issued traction law restrictions for State Routes 190 and 210 through Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, found particularly necessary given the expected arrival of heavy snow. Reporting gusty winds and blowing snow concerns, UDOT's warning encourages a heightened sense of caution for those travelling through mountain routes. In a statement obtained by KUTV, they forecast the heaviest precipitation would occur from Friday evening through Saturday morning, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect expected to last until Sunday morning.
The weather conditions are leading to a surge in efforts by UDOT personnel. With ten ploughs assigned to keep the roads clear in the canyons, the department is also preparing for unforeseen equipment breakdowns, ensuring backup systems are in place. In a pursuit to keep the public informed and safe, UDOT representative Jesses Bunn, in a statement obtained by ABC4, urged the public to check their tires and to consider the condition of the roads by viewing UDOT cameras before embarking on their journey. Moreover, Bunn offered caution regarding snow removal operations, highlighting the potential dangers of attempting to overtake ploughs due to their blind spots.
