UDOT

Public invited to comment, participate in open houses

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) today released the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for potential improvements to the I-15 corridor between Salt Lake City and Farmington.

As part of the DEIS, UDOT identified a preferred alternative to accommodate growth and to help people get where they are going easier and safer, whether by bike, transit or vehicle. The preferred alternative was refined from ideas and options presented to the public in late 2022.

“Our purpose has been to analyze and recommend transportation solutions that improve mobility and quality of life for all users of the corridor in the face of rapid growth,” said Tiffany Pocock, Study Manager at UDOT. “After extensive technical analysis and engagement with the public to understand the needs and issues in the study area, we have arrived at a preferred alternative we believe meets the transportation needs of those using this corridor now and in the future.”

The Draft EIS (DEIS), including the preferred alternative, is now available on the study website, i15eis.udot.utah.gov. Key features of the preferred alternative include:

• An I-15 section with five general purpose lanes and one Express Lane (High Occupancy Toll lane) in each direction to accommodate current and future travel demand in the corridor.
• Improvements to interchanges to better accommodate all users and increase safe access across I-15 in each community.
• Shared-use path between North Salt Lake and Salt Lake City, and new or improved walking and biking paths and sidewalks at several locations to connect existing pedestrian paths and increase safe connection across and along I-15.

The public is invited to provide feedback on the preferred alternative and DEIS during a formal comment period that runs through Nov. 13, 2023. Comment methods are outlined on the study website.

An online open house will be held on Monday, Oct. 16, from 5-7 p.m. Details for joining the online meeting will be available on the study website in advance. Two in-person open houses are also planned:

• Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 5-7 p.m. at the Utah State Fairpark, Bonneville Building (155 North 1000 West, Salt Lake City, UT)
• Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the South Davis Rec Center (550 North 200 West Bountiful, UT)

The study team will explain the preferred alternative during the online open house, after which they will take questions as time allows. There will be no formal presentation at the in-person open houses. The in-person meetings include a formal hearing where those interested can provide verbal comment via a court reporter. 

Throughout the comment period, stakeholders can also provide input and feedback on the website as well as by email or traditional mail.