The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has concluded an environmental study aimed at addressing winter-time traffic congestion on State Route 190, spanning from Ft. Union Blvd. to Brighton.
The study was conducted following directions from the Utah State Legislature in Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which allocated funds for specific improvements in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
Proposed project elements under consideration include enhanced bus service, the implementation of tolling, and the creation of a mobility hub.
The proposed mobility hub would be located at the bottom of Big Cottonwood Canyon and feature a grade-separated interchange on Wasatch Boulevard to provide access. Additionally, UDOT is considering improvements to existing resort bus stops at Silver Lake/Solitude Nordic Center, Spruces Campground, Cardiff Fork, and Silver Fork.
To improve bus service operations and performance, the study includes bus priority features such as a bus-only lane at the Brighton Loop.
Transportation needs in Big Cottonwood Canyon are primarily linked to traffic congestion during peak periods between 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. during the ski season, alongside anticipated increases in tourism and population growth.
Moving from this completed study to an active construction project requires the project to be added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), receive funding prioritization, and enter final design and construction phases.
