The Utah Department of Transportation announced that the second phase of the Ogden Canyon Transportation Study is now underway.

Over the past year, UDOT gathered physical information and opinion from the public concerning transportation options through Ogden Canyon. The primary purpose of the first phase was to use this data and information to develop a plan concerning future canyon transportation needs.

During the first phase, the study team met with residents, business owners and other stakeholders in Ogden Canyon. An online survey also was conducted, which received more than 900 responses and provided valuable information about the needs of canyon residents and visitors, and assisted in developing a general vision for potential canyon improvements. The study team also collected and analyzed existing reports and studies, evaluated existing and potential safety concerns, measured traffic volumes, resident and property owner needs, economic needs, multi-modal uses (biking, truck traffic, pedestrian, transit), recreational uses, environmental concerns and geotechnical/geologic concerns.

In the second phase, the study team will meet more extensively with people and groups who have specific concerns about Ogden Canyon. The team will use information collected in the first phase to develop practicable concepts that could meet needs and minimize impacts. Focus groups made up of people who live, work, travel and recreate in Ogden Canyon will be formed to evaluate these concepts and give input. Representatives of local government and other agencies also will participate in evaluating the concepts and providing feedback.

A public open house will be held in the spring to present the collaboratively developed concepts and additional comments will be taken.

For more information, call 801/337-5544 or visit www.udot.utah.gov/ogdencanyonstudy.