PROJECT INFORMATION //
Learn more about environmental studies and construction projects to improve transportation and safety in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
Cottonwoods Connection Pipeline
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.
Mt. Superior Avalanche Mitigation Project
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.
Big Cottonwood Canyon Environmental Study
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
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.
