PROJECT INFORMATION

Learn more about environmental studies and construction projects to improve transportation and safety in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.

Cottonwoods Connection Pipeline

Cottonwoods Connection

Project Overview

Construction of the Cottonwoods Connection project began in May 2024 and is expected to continue through Summer 2026.

The project aims to provide the community with continuous clean and fresh drinking water. In partnership with the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, there are three concerns:

  • Aging infrastructure of both Big Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant (BCWTP) and Little Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant (LCWTP)
  • Seismic vulnerability of both the Salt Lake Aqueduct (SLA) and Little Cottonwood Conduit (LCC)
  • Limited water resources in the canyons and Deer Creek Reservoir (DCR)

This project will improve efficiency and resilience of the water supply system by creating a robust regional water supply solution.

For more project details and to stay updated on the Cottonwoods Connection Pipeline, call 385-512-4747 or email info@cottonwoodsconnection.com with “Updates” in the subject line.

Little Cottonwood Maintenance Project

Text reading "Little Cottonwood Canyon SR-210 Maintenance by UDOT" in bold gray and orange. Simple, informational design on a white background.

Project Overview

Starting June 18, UDOT will be rehabilitating SR-210 (Little Cottonwood Canyon) near Tanners Flat Campground (MP 8). Work will include replacing damaged guard rail and installing new concrete barriers and gutter. This will maintain the road and improve safety in the canyon. Construction is anticipated to last through early August 2025.

For more project details and to stay updated, call 855-663-6800 or email littlecottonwoodmaintenance@utah.gov with “Subscribe” in the subject line.

    Mt. Superior Avalanche Mitigation Project

    Mount Superior Little Cottonwood Canyon Avalanche Mitigation by UDOT

    Project Overview

    Project Start Date: July 8, 2024

    Project Completion Date: August 31, 2024

    UDOT has installed Wyssen Avalanche Towers, a type of Remote Avalanche Control System (RACS), in Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210) on the Mt. Superior ridgeline above the road. This project will help UDOT transition away from the P-Ridge Howitzer that has been used on the south side of the canyon, shooting over the road and buildings in the Town of Alta. Wyssen Avalanche Towers are operated remotely, allowing for more efficient and safe avalanche mitigation for workers and the public.

    SR-224 BRT (High Valley Transit Project)

    Big Cottonwood Canyon SR-190 Ft. Union Blvd. to Brighton Study by UDOT

    Project Overview

    UDOT is conducting an environmental study to evaluate tolling and enhanced bus service to address winter-time traffic congestion management on State Route (SR) 190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon as directed by the Utah State Legislature in Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) (2023).

    SB 2 specifies and directs UDOT to use certain legislature-allocated funds to “provide enhanced bus service, tolling, a mobility hub, and resort bus stops for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.”

    For more information or to sign up for study updates, contact the project team at (801) 477-6410 or email bccstudy@utah.gov with “Updates” in the subject line.

      Little Cottonwood Canyon Environmental Impact Statement

      Little Cottonwood Canyon Environmental Impact Statement, S.R. 210 Wasatch Blvd. to Alta

      Project Overview

      The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) began an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in the spring of 2018 for Little Cottonwood Canyon (LCC) and Wasatch Boulevard in partnership with Utah Transit Authority (UTA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to provide an integrated transportation system that improves the reliability, mobility and safety for residents, visitors, and commuters who use SR-210.

      UDOT released the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Little Cottonwood Canyon EIS on July 12, 2023. The ROD is the final step in the EIS process and selects Gondola Alternative B, with phased implementation of Enhanced Bus Service Alternative components, to improve transportation in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The ROD is the final step in the EIS process.