State and local officials are seeking public feedback through a transportation survey to help shape the future of the Western Cache Corridor, a planning initiative designed to address anticipated growth in western Cache County. The survey, which was announced by the City of Clarkston on Aug. 18, 2026, remains open to the public through Sept. 30, 2026, to help identify community priorities and transportation challenges.
Collaborative Planning Efforts
The Western Cache Corridor Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study is a collaborative effort involving the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Cache County, and the Cache Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO). According to the Utah Department of Transportation, the study aims to identify future transportation needs and determine the location of a potential western corridor to inform land development decisions and preserve future transportation options.
Anticipated Regional Growth
The study focuses on the rural western portion of Cache County, an area characterized by open space, wetlands, natural resources, and productive farmland. While much of the region remains undeveloped, officials noted that population and employment are expected to increase significantly in the coming decades. The Kem C. Gardner Institute projects that the area's population will increase by approximately 40% by 2055.
Evaluating Transportation Options
A primary goal of the PEL study is to identify future transportation challenges and develop a wide range of potential options. The process includes a transparent screening process to evaluate these options while considering environmental resources, land use, and community values. Officials emphasized that identifying a future transportation option does not guarantee that a new roadway will be built, but rather serves to preserve options for future generations as growth occurs.
Corridor Connectivity and Impact
The study will look broadly at the west side of Cache County to consider how a new north-south road could connect various communities. This assessment aims to improve mobility while working to minimize environmental and community impacts. By planning ahead, the study seeks to evaluate options and coordinate with local agencies before growth and development limit the available choices for the region.
Project Timeline and Phases
The current phase of the project focuses on public input and data collection, which includes examining existing and future traffic conditions and conducting community surveys. This follows the study's initiation in the fall of 2025, during which officials outlined outreach efforts and developed a charter to define the study's purpose and desired outcomes.
Future Study Milestones
Following the current public input phase, the study is scheduled to move into alternatives development in the fall of 2026. This stage will involve technical advisory committee meetings, the development of screening criteria, and public meetings. The alternative screening process, which is expected to continue through the fall of 2027, will include traffic analysis and environmental screening.
Finalizing the Study Report
The final phase of the study is projected for the fall of 2027, which will include the finalization of technical reports and the publication of the Draft PEL. Once the final PEL Report is completed and agencies are notified, the study will have completed its primary planning cycle. Members of the public can stay informed by contacting the public involvement team via email to receive updates.
