The Utah Department of Transportation announced on Oct. 20, 2025, the completion of the U.S. 191 Realignment Project north of Vernal — an effort delivered through an innovative public-private partnership with Simplot Phosphates that saved taxpayers approximately $40 million.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred the next day.
The project replaced a 2.6-mi. section of steep switchbacks with a straighter, safer alignment designed to improve travel for trucks, residents and visitors heading to Flaming Gorge.
Key improvements included:
• replacing steep switchbacks with a new alignment and standard horizontal curves;
• adding a northbound climbing lane and a southbound passing lane;
• constructing a new runaway truck ramp; and
• building standard-width shoulders to improve safety and recovery zones.
The project was completed as a public-private partnership with Simplot Phosphates, which provided significant support in moving millions of cu. yds. of earth for the new road embankments worth $40 million. This innovative funding method helped UDOT deliver the project more efficiently and at a lower cost to taxpayers.
"I don't think you could ask for a better public-private partnership," said state Sen. Ron Winterton. "It's a win-win. They can come back and mine where the current road exists, and we get a new, safer road."
"This truly is a win-win-win," said Rob Clayton, UDOT Region Three director. "It's a win for the traveling public, who now have a safer and more efficient road; a win for Simplot, which can continue its operations in the area for decades to come; and a win for UDOT, as our partnership allowed us to deliver the project faster and at a lower cost."
Simplot leadership described the project as an example of effective coordination between industry and government.
"The realignment of U.S. 191 north of Vernal represents a milestone in infrastructure collaboration between the public sector and a private entity that benefits both community and industry," said G. Rey Reinhardt, Simplot AgriBusiness president. "We're proud to be part of a solution that strengthens Utah's rural connectivity and long-term growth."
