November Update on Wasatch Boulevard and Gondola Developments
Dear Save Not Pave Members,
As we move into the final months of 2024, there are critical updates regarding the proposed gondola for Little Cottonwood Canyon and the Utah Department of Transportation's (UDOT) efforts to address traffic issues in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Both projects carry significant impacts for our communities, and we want to ensure you’re informed and prepared to engage in the process.
1. UDOT’s Big Cottonwood Canyon Environmental Study
UDOT has begun an environmental study to explore tolling and expanded bus services on SR-190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This initiative, directed by Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) of 2023, aims to address the winter traffic congestion that affects residents and visitors alike.
Upcoming Public Meetings
UDOT will hold two meetings to gather community input:
In-Person Open House:
Date: November 13
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Butler Elementary School, 7000 S 2700 E, Cottonwood HeightsVirtual Meeting via Zoom:
Date: November 14
Time: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Details: Presentation followed by Q&A; instructions to join are on the project website.
The meetings will present identical information, and UDOT will open a public comment period from November 13 to December 13. We strongly encourage you to attend a meeting and share your feedback on proposed changes, potential environmental impacts, and concerns about traffic in Big Cottonwood Canyon. https://udotinput.utah.gov/bccstudy
2. Update on the Little Cottonwood Canyon Gondola
https://www.ksl.com/article/51165960/critics-continue-gondola-pushback-as-udot-shifts-attention-to-big-cottonwood-canyon
UDOT's gondola proposal has faced criticism for prioritizing private ski resorts while offering limited benefits to the broader public. Despite the $729 million (and counting) price tag, UDOT plans to move forward with the gondola using taxpayer dollars, bypassing other effective, lower-cost solutions. Advocacy groups like Save Not Pave argue that there are better ways to reduce traffic in Little Cottonwood Canyon without building a costly gondola that serves only two destinations.
We advocate for practical, flexible solutions such as a dedicated bus lane and bus prioritization on Wasatch Blvd during peak times, along with an intermodal hub at its base to serve both Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons. Notably, UDOT has reduced bus service from 87 to just 23 buses, severely limiting transportation options. We urge UDOT to implement Phase One of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which includes traction laws, tolling, additional buses, and parking reservations—measures that could significantly improve traffic management. Will UDOT choose to skip these crucial steps and move directly to Phase Two, focusing solely on expanding Wasatch Boulevard?
If a gondola is essentially a "bus in the sky," why not invest in ground buses that can be easily scaled up or down based on demand and serve everyone in the Salt Lake Valley—not just resort-goers? Enhanced bus service could play a crucial role in managing transportation needs, especially as we prepare for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Our community deserves thoughtful solutions that preserve the canyon's natural beauty while effectively managing year-round traffic for all users, not just ski resort users. Save Not Pave remains committed to advocating for sustainable, inclusive approaches that reflect the needs of the broader community.
3. Community Input is Vital
As always, we believe in community-led growth that respects our landscape and lifestyle. UDOT's environmental study for Big Cottonwood Canyon provides an opportunity to shape the future of canyon transportation thoughtfully. Your voice is essential—attend a meeting, submit a comment, and share your vision for a better solution that reflects our community values.
Thank you for standing with Save Not Pave as we work toward sustainable solutions for Wasatch Boulevard, and our beloved canyons. Together, we can ensure our voices are heard.
Micki Harris
Save Not Pave
