Public Comment Period: Draft Tooele Valley Regional Long-Range Transportation Plan
Leaders from Tooele County, Tooele City, Grantsville City, Lake Point City, and Erda City, in close partnership with staff at the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), UDOT and UTA, have created a draft long-range transportation plan for the Tooele Valley through 2050 that includes proposed new or expanded roadways, transit, and walking and biking facilities. We invite the public to provide feedback on the needed and prioritized projects.
The public comment period on the plan is now open and runs through May 31. Those interested can learn more about the process, review the plans, and give input via an interactive map linked to the Tooele RPO 2024 Public Comment page.
Projects from the plan that will be constructed within the next two to three years and improve mobility include:
● An eastbound auxiliary lane between SR-36 and SR-201 (similar to the one constructed in the westbound direction recently)
● Widening of SR-36 between Stansbury and I-80
While the plan is comprehensive and all proposed projects would require additional development and funding to move forward, highlights of the 2050 plan include proposed:
● Construction of the southern and middle sections of Midvalley Highway
● Additional widening of I-80 between SR-201 and the Midvalley Highway
● Alternate connection from northern Tooele Valley to SR-201
● Operational improvements to Burmester Road
● New east-west connections between Droubay Road on the east and Sheep Lane on the west and
another between Tooele City and the Mormon Trail Road
● Increase service capability of On Demand transit service
● Improved pedestrian and cyclist access to transit
● New and improved pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout the valley to connect educational, recreational, and trailhead locations
“In Tooele County, we're gearing up for growth and improvement,” said Tooele County Council Chair Jared Hamner. “We know that keeping traffic flowing smoothly is key to our community thriving. That's why we're teaming up with state transportation agencies to ensure our roads get us where we need to go and make living here even better. Together, we're laying the groundwork for a future where everyone can get around easily and enjoy all our county offers."
With Tooele County’s population projected to nearly double in the coming decades, local leaders’ collective transportation vision includes providing choices to valley residents.
"Tooele City is stepping into a future where getting around means more than cars and roads," stated Mayor Debbie Winn. "The long-range plan looks ahead, embracing transit options and pathways for walking and biking alongside improved roads. It's about shaping a future where mobility, health, the economy, and our community's well-being come together. Now's the time to plan for a better future for everyone."
The long-range planning process allows leaders to create consensus around needs and projects locally. Leaders can then build awareness and support of needs and priorities at the regional and statewide levels, providing better opportunities to secure funding for future projects.
"In our valley, collaboration is key to funding essential projects," emphasized Mayor Neil Critchlow of Grantsville City. "With this plan, we're ready to roll up our sleeves and start developing projects while actively seeking funding to make them happen. Staying ahead of the curve is vital for preserving and elevating the quality of life we enjoy."
About the Tooele Valley Regional Planning Organization (RPO)
A Rural Planning Organization (RPO) was formed for the Tooele Valley in 2004 to establish a process for the local jurisdictions to cooperatively plan the valley’s transportation system and prioritize projects. The process identifies community priorities earlier, providing better integration with regional and statewide
transportation plans. Learn more at http://wfrc.org/committees/tooele-valley-rural-planning-organization/.