Utah — While not as egregious as Little Cottonwood Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon does have a traffic problem. It peaked in the early 2020s with the rise of the Ikon Pass. However, parking reservations at both Brighton and Solitude have eased congestion to some extent. However, issues persist, especially on the most powder-filled days. So what can be done?
Last week, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) announced its plans to transform the commute up and down Little Cottonwood Canyon. The estimated $264.5 million price tag includes the already-approved Wasatch Mobility Hub. This mobility hub will help both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. If you know the huge gravel site that pops up as you approach Big Cottonwood Canyon, that’s where it will be.
“We’ve all experienced winter traffic backing up in Big Cottonwood Canyon,” said Devin Weder, UDOT Cottonwood Canyons transit program manager. “These improvements are designed to give people another reliable option to reach the canyon without sitting in hours of traffic.”
The following ideas are part of the plans:
- More buses: The plan is to increase bus frequency to every 10-15 minutes, with the goal of reaching every 7 minutes by 2050.
- Mobility Hub: A new 1,750-parking structure will provide easy access to a mobility hub located near the start of BCC road. This mobility hub will have a bus-only priority lane. With the current park-and-ride spots offering minimal parking, this addition would come in clutch.
- Bus Stop Upgrades: New indoor bus stops will be built at both Solitude and Brgithon, providing easier access and waiting periods for passengers. Platforms, safety features, and pedestrian crossings will be added at other bus stops, including at Cardiff Fork, Spruces, Silver Fork, and Silver Lake/Solitude Nordic Center. Brighton Resort will also see a bus-only lane to reduce delays on busy days.
- Tolling: Variable pricing will be applied to drivers in order to encourage skiers and riders to carpool or take the bus.
- Parking Reservations: While not mentioned in the plan, it seems possible these will remain in place at Brighton and Solitude. Last ski season, Brighton and Solitude required reservations on weekends and peak dates.
Timeline
The timeline is as follows: the next year or so will be for design, permitting, and land acquisition. Construction could begin as early as 2027. By 2030, the goal is to have the bus stops finished, the toll monitors added, and the bus service expanded. However, these updates could be ready as early as the 2028-29 ski season.
“This is about making canyon travel more predictable and less stressful,” said Weder. “More frequent buses, better access and improved traffic management will help people spend less time waiting in traffic and more time enjoying the mountains.”
Image/Video Credits: Alex Moliski, Utah Department of Transportation
