Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about the UTN

What is the Utah Trail Network? What is the UDOT Trails Division?

During the 2023 Utah legislative session the legislature passed SB 185, which includes a provision allocating $45 million in on-going funding and $45 million one-time funding to UDOT to build, operate and maintain a paved regional trail network.

The vision is for UDOT to build and maintain a network of paved trails throughout the state that connect Utahns of all ages and abilities to their destinations and communities. This network should be a comfortable and reliable option for those walking, biking or scooting. When built out, the network should create a regional trail spine, or backbone, with local facilities tying in wherever possible, making it seamless for someone to jump on for any distance they need.

This vision is called the Utah Trail Network, and UDOT created a new Division, the Trails Division, to oversee this funding and implement the Utah Trail Network program.

How much money is available to build the Utah Trail Network?

The Utah Trail Network receives $45 million in on-going (recurring every year) funding, plus an additional $45 million in one-time funding (allocated in the year 2023 for the 2024 fiscal year).

Did taxes go up to fund the Utah Trail Network?

No, the Utah state legislature allocated existing transportation funding from the Transportation Investment Fund (TIF) to UDOT to be used for the specific purpose of building the Utah Trail Network.

Why is UDOT overseeing this funding?

One of the primary goals of the Utah Trail Network is to connect people to their destinations safely without the use of a motor vehicle. Since the Utah Trail Network is a transportation-focused program, the state legislature asked the Utah Department of Transportation to take charge of this effort.

What can Utah Trail Network money be used for specifically?

Utah Trail Network funding can be used to plan, construct, operate and maintain paved trails that are determined to be part of the Utah Trail Network. This may include:

Planning & Design: deciding which facilities are funded and why, as well as the engineering to prepare them for construction.
Construction: building of a trail and all supporting infrastructure, such as signals, signs, and bridges.
Operations & Maintenance: upkeep of all the physical components of the trail, including pavement, pedestrian crossing buttons, signs, wayfinding materials, etc.

What do you mean by trails?

The word “trail” can have different meanings to different people. The trails that will make up the Utah Trail Network will be paved active transportation corridors that are separated from roadways. In specific instances, on-street facilities may be used to fill a gap temporarily, but the goal will be to construct fully separated facilities, including at intersections or roadway crossings. This funding will not be used for single track, dirt, or gravel trails.

What about trails that could be used for recreation or transportation?

The primary purpose of the Utah Trail Network is to create safe and comfortable options that connect people to their destinations. However, trails that serve a transportation purpose can also be used for recreational activities. Additionally, if trails that connect to recreation areas would also help reduce vehicle trips, they may also be considered for the overall network.

Why do these types of trails and facilities matter? Why not just paint bike lanes on the roadway?

Cyclist safety research suggests that many people will not bike to a destination if their route does not provide separation from moving vehicles. While bike lanes may be less expensive to construct, they don’t have the same safety benefit or comfort level that separated facilities provide. The Utah Trail Network aims to provide accessible trails for people of all ages and abilities, which means making sure that Utah Trail Network facilities are safely and comfortably separated from vehicular traffic.

What about maintenance?

UDOT can use Utah Trail Network funding to maintain the trails that are part of the Utah Trail Network. When completed, the Utah Trail Network Master Plan will provide more detailed information about specific trail maintenance activities.

Who owns the Utah Trail Network facilities?

Many of the new trail segments constructed with this program will be owned by UDOT. However, parts of the Utah Trail Network may consist of existing locally owned trails that make important regional connections in their respective communities, and these existing trails will remain under local agency ownership.

Will there be restrooms, trailheads and wayfinding along Utah Trail Network trails?

While the exact design details of these trails are still being developed, we know that amenities like trailheads, restrooms, drinking fountains, lighting, wayfinding and benches improve the overall experience for users. UDOT’s goal is to incorporate these facilities when and where possible.

Who is deciding which trails the Utah Trail Network funding will be used for, and how is that being decided?

Ultimately, UDOT will decide which facilities will be part of the Utah Trail Network program. However, local stakeholder input and knowledge will be crucial when prioritizing and selecting projects. For this reason, program candidates will be integrated with Utah’s Unified Transportation Plan. This provides an opportunity for local agencies to evaluate proposed projects in their communities and “phase” them according to their needs and active transportation vision. The highest priority projects from the Unified Transportation Plan will be run through UDOT’s TIF Active Capacity Model for further ranking, resulting in an annual list of projects recommended for funding. Similar to other transportation funding decisions, these recommended projects are then subject to approval by the Utah Transportation Commission.

How often will the Utah Trail Network Master Plan be updated? Can new routes be added to the network?

The Utah Trail Network will be integrated into Utah’s Unified Transportation Plan, and will follow the policies and procedures that govern that plan. Part of this includes an evaluation of the existing network, and consideration of any proposed additions that meet the criteria for a Utah Trail Network trail. Similar changes can also be amended into the plan between review cycles as needed.

What is the Utah Trail Network Master Plan, and what outreach has UDOT done to inform its development?

The Utah Trail Network Master Plan is slated to be the comprehensive process of the statewide network in relation to system ownership, maintenance, prioritization, and other items. The UDOT Trails Division has completed a robust outreach effort to gather information and feedback to contribute to this master plan. Since the program's initiation, we have held dozens of workshops and focus groups with local agencies, MPOs, AOGs, Transportation Commissioners, and other transportation groups. The feedback from these stakeholders has been crucial in the creation of this plan, and UDOT will continue consistent communication with these groups as the Utah Trail Network Master Plan plan continues to develop.

I am a trail enthusiast! What is the best way for me to influence which trails are funded?

The best thing you can do is talk to local officials about the trail project you are interested in. It is also important that the facility you are interested in is included on an existing Active Transportation plan. When you speak with local officials, ask where you can find your trail of interest on an adopted municipal or regional plan. You can also discuss the project with representatives from the Association of Governments or Metropolitan Planning Organization where the trail is located.

Is it possible to nominate a project to be considered for the Utah Trail Network?

As part of our established process, we do not accept individual project nominations for the Utah Trail Network. All future projects will be selected for funding from the Utah Trail Network Master Plan Map.

Can UDOT use eminent domain (acquire private property) to build these trails?

UDOT will not use eminent domain to build Utah Trail Network facilities at this time.

Is UDOT going to use this funding to build trail projects that should be a part of a larger roadway project?

UDOT will use this funding for standalone trail projects that are separated from vehicular traffic. Under certain circumstances, this funding may be used to build a Utah Trail Network facility that lies adjacent to a UDOT roadway project.

What are design and construction considerations for these trails?

UDOT is currently developing design materials for Utah Trail Network trail facilities, setting standards for features like trail width, pavement specifications, and wayfinding signs. The goal is for Utah Trail Network facilities to have a consistent appearance across the state while also giving local communities some flexibility in adding design elements that reflect the look and feel of their region.

Can e-bikes, equestrians, or OHVs use these trails?

Utah Trail Network routes are designed for non-motorized travel, which aligns with the comfort and safety goals of the program. Some e-bikes can be used on Utah Trail Network facilities if they meet the legislative description of a bicycle (e-bike class 1 and 2). Other vehicles or methods of travel (equestrian, OHVs, 4-wheelers, etc.) are not permitted on Utah Trail Network facilities. In specific cases, a Utah Trail Network trail may include space for other types of users to travel adjacent to the paved trail.

Are there other ways for trails to get funded by UDOT?

The Transportation Investment Fund and Transit Transportation Investment Fund (TIF and TTIF) have a project nomination process. Visit the UDOT Project Prioritization website for more information about the TIF and TTIF funding.

How can I learn more about the Utah Trail Network?

Email us! The UDOT Trails Division can be reached at utahtrailnetwork@utah.gov.

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