Hundreds of people living near the Cottonwood Canyons showed up to let their voices be heard during a large public open house discussing proposed transportation improvements. It comes weeks after the Utah Department of Transportation announced two preferred alternatives.
FOX13 reports about 400 people packed inside Butler Middle School to discuss alternatives to improve transportation and safety in and around Little Cottonwood Canyon. There are some hefty price tags for both alternatives at more than half a billion dollars each. UDOT suggests either a gondola or enhanced bus service in a dedicated lane will help speed traffic and congestion during the winter months.
In almost two weeks, 2,500 people let UDOT know which they prefer. That number is expected to triple during the comment period, which was extended through Sep. 3. The group “Save Not Pave“ rejects all proposals, arguing UDOT is focusing solely on motorists and not pedestrians or cyclists.
UDOT predicts traffic up the canyons will nearly double in the next 30 years, forcing drivers to spend 80 minutes or so to get to the resorts. To get involved, another public open house will be on July 20. Comments can be submitted online as well.
