The Wasatch Backcountry Alliance, a Utah-based backcountry advocacy group, recently released its comment on the recent Big Cottonwood Canyon study conducted by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). The study, which aims to evaluate tolling and improved busing services to address winter-time traffic at Big Cottonwood Canyon, received positive feedback and other recommendations in the Allianceโs comment.
The Allianceโs comment addressed numerous areas of concern to best assist UDOT in the establishment of an effective system to mitigate traffic and congestion at the canyon. The areas addressed were canyon capacity, enhanced busing, bus stop infrastructure, tolling, NEPA, traction law, and seasonability. Each category contains valuable logistical and other information that could help UDOT create the best possible bus and tolling system to cater to Big Cottonwood Canyonโs passionate skiers.
The canyon capacity section emphasizes that the parking capacities should remain at their current levels to maintain watershed protection. This is required by the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest Plan of 2003. However, that plan also states that modifications could be made in instances of heavy transit, especially in the winter times.
The comment also mentions that the Alliance strongly supports an enhanced bus service, as well as a mobility hub at the base of the canyon. The Alliance recommends the service run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to reduce the number of cars on the road in early mornings for effective plowing. Additionally, a proposal to connect service with Solitude and Brighton has been made with the goal of addressing backcountry and resort skiersโ needs.
With an enhanced busing system, the Alliance recommends developing bus stop infrastructure to ensure the best possible experience. It requests that the new waiting areas be on already developed areas to avoid underdeveloped land. The comment also voices support for a 5,000 to 7,000-square-foot building with amenities such as day lockers, heated public restrooms, heated waiting areas, and educational kiosks.
The comment also voices support for canyon tolling, with fees going towards the bus system to keep it as affordable as possible, as well as to plowing trailheads and maintaining bathrooms. The Alliance recommends a FastPass tolling system to make payment as quick and simple as possible to reduce congestion.
In order to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Alliance urges UDOT to conduct an environmental assessment to ensure a thorough review of potential environmental impacts. Big Cottonwood Canyon receives roughly 1.45 million visits each year, and the changes associated with the changes could have environmental impacts. The Alliance recognizes this, and because of that it recommends an important environmental assessment.
The comment also emphasizes the importance of traction law. Snow-related incidents are common during storms, and good traction and tire quality are paramount for breaking and avoiding traffic issues. The Alliance urges UDOT to implement traction laws when storms are forecasted.
In general, the Wasatch Backcountry Allianceโs comment supports the implementation of an enhanced bus system and tolling while adding other recommendations to make the best experience possible for Big Cottonwood Canyon skiers.