Make Your Voice Heard on Big Cottonwood Canyon Traffic Solutions - Deadline Friday, December 13th (and Other News Coverage)
Fellow Save Not Pave Members,
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is accepting comments on their proposed solutions for Big Cottonwood Canyon's winter traffic congestion, but the deadline is Friday, December 13th.
This is your chance to shape the future of this beloved winter wonderland!
UDOT's current plans include:
A mobility hub near the canyon mouth.
Enhanced bus service with frequent departures.
Enclosed bus stops at resorts.
Winter tolling with variable pricing.
While these proposals might seem positive, Save Not Pave believes there's room for improvement.
Here's why your input matters:
Focus on Long-Term Solutions: Short-term fixes won't solve the problem. We need a plan that addresses the root causes of congestion for years to come.
Prioritize Community Needs: UDOT's solutions might not be the best fit. Advocate for a community-centered approach that considers year-round needs and accessibility.
Demand Safety First: The recent death on Wasatch Blvd on Monday, highlights the urgency for safe infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians as well as skiers. See news articles below.
How You Can Take Action:
Review the proposals and environmental impact statement.
Submit your comment by Friday, December 13th: Link to UDOT comment page on Big Cottonwood Canyon traffic solutions or email here
Need inspiration for your comment? We've provided a sample message below that you can adapt:
I’d like to share some thoughts and observations based on the current proposals and the feedback from our recent conversations.
We cannot accept short-term solutions that merely address symptoms without addressing the root causes of the problem. Nor can we tolerate long waits and logistical challenges simply because "something" is being done. This focus on appearances over effective solutions is frustrating and does little to inspire confidence among the community or those relying on these services.
That said, I'm hoping UDOT may be open to exploring solutions, and this presents an opportunity to shift the focus toward broader, community-oriented approaches.
The concept of a single hub near the canyon mouth seems limited. A more effective and forward-thinking approach would involve multiple strategically located mobility hubs around the valley. This would help distribute traffic more evenly, reduce bottlenecks at canyon entrances, and integrate better with existing transit systems.
This distributed approach would not only alleviate congestion but also make the system more accessible to a broader range of users. Framing this as a long-term, scalable solution could resonate with both the community and decision-makers. While much attention is focused on the "red snake" congestion, it’s crucial to consider year-round needs for the canyons and the challenges of staffing enough bus drivers to handle the heavy loads during peak times.
This forward-thinking approach will be difficult without strong support and collaboration from UTA. It’s crucial for UDOT and UTA to work together to develop a cohesive, community-centered plan that prioritizes efficiency and accessibility. I can’t help but wonder if it might take a legislative mandate to enforce the necessary teamwork and drive real solutions to this problem.
My final thought is that whatever changes are made, it is critical that cyclists and pedestrians are prioritized, especially with the death of Lilly Lu Monday, December 9th.
Every week, thousands of cyclists commute and recreate along this corridor, and pedestrians frequently cross to access the park-and-ride areas. Unfortunately, the recent addition of a slip lane has introduced new safety hazards. The cement barrier placed in the middle of the bike lane has created confusion for cyclists, leaving them with no safe way to navigate downhill alongside cars traveling at 50 mph. This design flaw highlights the urgent need for a safer and more thoughtful approach to the design of Wasatch Boulevard.
We need a road that is safe for all users. This includes designing for slower speeds—not by relying on the 85th percentile rule, which reflects current driver behavior, but by implementing design elements that promote the desired behavior and speed. Roads that feel like freeways encourage speeding; we must avoid overhead signs or other features that signal drivers to treat this as a high-speed road. Instead, Wasatch Boulevard should remain scenic, reflecting why so many people come here—to enjoy the mountains and a slower pace.
For pedestrian crossings, underpasses are far more effective than sky bridges, which people often avoid in favor of crossing directly on the road. Overhead pedestrian bridges risk becoming expensive but underutilized structures.
In terms of cycling infrastructure, protected bike lanes should be a priority. Given the high volume of cyclists, it’s only fair and logical to provide dedicated, safe spaces.
Thanks for hearing me out!
Micki Harris
Save Not Pave
savenotpaveutah@gmail.com
Together, we can create a plan that keeps Big Cottonwood Canyon a beautiful and enjoyable place for everyone!
Submit your comment by December 13th.
Sincerely,
The Save Not Pave Team
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