UDOT

Increased enforcement’s goal is to enhance safety this winter; public encouraged to participate in sticker program

To improve road safety in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is working with the communities at the mouth of the canyons to increase traction law enforcement this winter season. 

This effort is made possible by additional funding provided by the Utah Legislature through HB 488, which was passed earlier this year.

“This funding allows us to take real action based on public feedback,” UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras said. “With officers dedicated to enforcing the traction law once the winter season is underway, we can make sure the roads in the canyons stay safe without pulling law enforcement away from their other public safety responsibilities.”

UDOT has partnered with the Cottonwood Heights Police Department for enforcement at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR-190), the Sandy City Police Department for enforcement at Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210), along with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, who will assist with the merge points and assisting vehicles throughout both canyons.

“We’re planning to provide 1-2 officers per shift, and up to 3-4 officers on busier days to help keep our canyons safe,” Cottonwood Heights Police Assistant Chief Paul Brenneman said. “This increased enforcement will primarily focus on the morning uphill commute, especially during storms or high-traffic days.”

While better enforcement will help reduce the number of unprepared vehicles entering the canyons, other factors—like road conditions, the number of vehicles headed up or down canyon and driver skill—will still impact traffic and on busy days traffic delays are still possible. All visitors, especially those who don’t have a vehicle that is equipped with proper traction devices or are uncomfortable driving in severe winter weather conditions, are encouraged to use public transit and shuttle services, delay their travel until conditions improve, or carpool in a properly equipped vehicle.

“Having the right tires is just part of the equation to prevent crashes or slide-offs in the canyons,” Sandy City Police Chief Greg Severson said. “Drivers still need to use caution—avoid distracted driving, reduce speed, and drive according to weather conditions.”

In Little Cottonwood Canyon, the checkpoint is located at A Gate/Gate Buttress (MP 5.2) and in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the checkpoint is at the chain-up area (MP 2.2), just past the water plant and Canyon Estate Drive gates. All drivers are encouraged to use the online map to see where the enforcement/turnaround checkpoints and chain-up areas are located before traveling to the canyons.

To make the inspection process smoother for everyone, UDOT is continuing the Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program this year. This free, voluntary program allows drivers to have their vehicle tires pre-inspected for compliance with the traction law. If a vehicle’s tires/traction devices meet the requirements, a free sticker will be placed on the windshield to show it has the proper equipment for traveling in the canyons when the traction law is in effect and allow the driver to potentially bypass inspection.

“Drivers can help keep traffic flowing by making sure their vehicles are ready before they arrive at the checkpoints,” Braceras said. “Getting a sticker through our Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program is a good way to find out if your vehicle is equipped to handle the canyon roads.”

For more information, please visit the UDOT Cottonwoods website and follow UDOT Cottonwoods on X, Instagram and Facebook for road information and travel tips.