Embedded Files
Background & Vision
Background & Vision
In 2023, the Utah State Legislature passed Senate Bill 185, allocating $45 million in ongoing funding and $45 million one-time funding to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to plan, build, and operate a paved regional trail network.
The vision is for UDOT to construct and operate a network of paved, nonmotorized trails throughout the state that connect Utahns of all ages and abilities to their destinations and communities. The trails will be separated from vehicle traffic, making them comfortable and accessible for anyone who is walking, biking, or rolling. The trail network will serve as a regional trail spine or backbone with local facilities tying in wherever possible, making it seamless for a trail user to jump on for any distance they need to reach their destination.
The Utah Trail Network (UTN) will connect people to their destinations within and between communities throughout Utah by building multi-use trails that are paved, separated from vehicle traffic, and comfortable for users of all ages and abilities.
The Utah Trail Network (UTN) will connect people to their destinations within and between communities throughout Utah by building multi-use trails that are paved, separated from vehicle traffic, and comfortable for users of all ages and abilities.
Watch the Utah Trail Network come to life ⤵️
UDOT created a new Trails Division in 2023 to oversee the implementation of the Utah Trail Network. The Trails team developed a comprehensive strategy for gathering input on potential Utah Trail Network projects, vetting trail project candidates, and ensuring continued coordination with key stakeholder groups.
Guiding Principles
Guiding Principles
The UDOT Trails Division developed a set of Guiding Principles to help refine trail project candidates by establishing the connection, safety and comfort, and feasibility requirements that trail projects must meet in order to be considered for inclusion in the Utah Trail Network.
The criteria below are used in conjunction with results from the TIF Active Capacity Model in the Project Selection Process.
Outreach & Engagement
Outreach & Engagement
We heard from nearly 600 trails stakeholders at 19 workshops!
We heard from nearly 600 trails stakeholders at 19 workshops!
Between September 2023 and January 2025, the UDOT Trails Division, in coordination with UDOT Region representatives and local planning agencies, held workshops throughout the state to gather stakeholder input and define the vision for the future Utah Trail Network.
The Trails Division invited city and county staff, elected officials, subject area experts, partner agencies, and other interested parties to:
Learn about the Utah Trail Network program and the vision planning effort.
Identify potential trail projects and regional destinations for consideration in the Utah Trail Network.
Share input on how the Utah Trail Network can support local values and address community needs.
Continued Coordination
Continued Coordination
Thank you to our MPO, AOG, and local agency partners
Thank you to our MPO, AOG, and local agency partners
The UDOT Trails Division works closely with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Associations of Governments (AOGs), county and municipal governments, and advocacy organizations to ensure that the Utah Trail Network is prioritizing the right projects at the right time to meet local needs. These agencies and organizations support regional active transportation planning by providing funding and expertise to local communities.
The Trails Division anticipates continued partnership and collaboration with these local agencies to ensure that our Master Plan is up-to-date and incorporates the latest project data from Regional Transportation Plans and the Long Range Plan.
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