The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is celebrating a major milestone as it nears completion of nearly $1 billion in construction projects across the state. As Utah continues to experience rapid growth, UDOT has been working to improve infrastructure, ensuring roads and bridges can handle increasing traffic while also making transportation safer and more efficient.

Among the most significant projects completed in 2024 is the first phase of the West Davis Highway, a long-anticipated freeway connecting West Point to Farmington and Interstate 15. The $750 million project has been in development for a decade and is now providing much-needed congestion relief to commuters in northern Utah.

The West Davis Highway wasn’t the only major project UDOT completed this year. The agency also rebuilt and upgraded more than 100 bridges statewide, addressing damage from harsh winters that have taken a toll on Utah’s roadways.

To make the Utah Trail Network a reality, UDOT is working closely with local governments, environmental groups, and transportation planners to ensure the project meets the needs of different communities. Officials believe this initiative will not only provide safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists but also promote outdoor recreation, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle for residents. The trail network is expected to connect urban areas with scenic outdoor spaces, making it easier for people to explore Utah’s natural beauty while reducing reliance on cars for short-distance

“The last couple of winters had been really hard on several of the bridges, especially out by the airport,” said John Gleason, UDOT’s director of public relations. “There was a big concentration of them here in Salt Lake County.”

These upgrades were critical, as many of the aging bridges had begun to show signs of deterioration. By making these repairs now, UDOT plans to improve safety and extend the lifespan of key transportation structures across the state.

With these major construction projects nearly complete, UDOT is now shifting its focus to an ambitious new initiative- building a statewide trail network that will connect walking and biking paths across Utah, much like the interstate highway system does for drivers.

“It’s going to be an entire network, kind of like how the interstate system works right now,” said Gleason. “And so if (people) want to walk, bike, use transit, we’re improving all of those connections.”

The Utah Trail Network, which has been in the planning stages for several years, aims to provide safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists while promoting alternative transportation options.

As part of the development process, UDOT has hosted public workshops to gather input from residents. There are still opportunities for the public to weigh in, with two more workshops planned before final decisions are made.

Utah has been one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with an expanding population that requires constant improvements to its transportation network. UDOT’s recent investments in highways, bridges, and alternative transportation are designed to support this growth while keeping people moving efficiently.

“As we continue to see all of the growth that we’re experiencing here in Utah, it’s important to make sure that people can get to where they’re going safely and with as much convenience as possible,” Gleason said.

Beyond roads and trails, UDOT is also looking into ways to integrate smart technology into its transportation network. The agency is exploring options like adaptive traffic signals, real-time road condition monitoring, and automated incident detection systems to improve safety and efficiency. 

These advancements could help reduce traffic delays and provide drivers with better information on road conditions, ultimately making travel across Utah smoother and more predictable. 

With new highways, repaired bridges, and plans for a first-of-its-kind statewide trail system, Utah is making significant strides in modernizing its transportation infrastructure. As UDOT prepares to launch its next major project, residents can expect even more improvements in the years ahead.