UDOT Calls for Comments on Long Range Plan

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The Utah Department of Transportation will release the Long Range Transportation Plan 2007-2030 for public comment beginning March 26 through April 26.
This plan focuses on capacity projects in the rural and small urban areas of Utah. It can be reviewed at local libraries throughout the state, at UDOT Region offices or online at www.udot.utah.gov.
“Planning for future transportation projects is a comprehensive process that requires the input and perspective of community members, elected officials and public agencies,” said UDOT Planning Director John Thomas. “Utah is experiencing tremendous growth and an increased demand for transportation facilities.”
Small urban areas across the state are growing rapidly. The St. George area’s population has increased from approximately 26,000 residents in 1980 to more than 90,000 in 2000. It is expected to grow to more than 218,000 by 2030. Similarly, Cedar City, Heber City, Hurricane, Moab, Tooele, and Vernal all are growing at record rates.
Public comments regarding the Long Range Transportation Plan 2007-2030 will help UDOT to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the state’s plans to increase mobility and address future transportation needs.
“Feedback from those who use our state highways on a daily basis helps us identify transportation solutions that will meet the needs of Utah communities,” said Thomas.
In addition to this plan focusing on rural areas, separate plans have been written for the metropolitan areas under the direction of the Cache Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO), Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) and the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMPO). When available, these plans may also be accessed on UDOT’s website.
Once public comments are reviewed, an executive summary of all five plans will be produced. This summary, called the Unified Transportation Plan, is due to be released statewide in July.