Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions and answers can be found here!
What is the Utah Trail Network? What is the UDOT Trails Division?
During the 2023 Utah legislative session the legislature passed SB 185. In that bill there is a provision that allocates $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.
Secondary benefits of this trail network include creating opportunities for people to be together outside. This trail network is called the Utah Trail Network. UDOT created a new Division, the Trails Division, to oversee this funding and implement the UTN program.
How much money is available to build the Utah Trail Network?
There is $45 million on-going (recurring every year) funding and $45 million one-time funding (one-time funding allocated in the year 2023 for the 2024 fiscal year) available to build the UTN. Roughly $900,000 of the on-going funding will be used to fund staff for the Trails Division at UDOT and other operational costs to oversee the construction of projects.
Did taxes go up to fund the Utah Trail Network?
No, the 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. Information on where TIF funding originates can be found HERE.
Why is UDOT overseeing this funding?
One of the primary goals of the program is to connect people to their destinations and give people options to reach their destination safely without the use of a motor vehicle. This goal is transportation focused, therefore the Utah Department of Transportation was asked to implement this program.
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 a part of the Utah Trail Network. This may include:
Planning: means, deciding which facilities are funded and why.
Construction: means the building of a trail and all supporting infrastructure (like signals, signs or bridges).
Operations: means up-keep of hardware used to support the trail, like signal infrastructure.
Maintenance: means up-keep of all the physical components of the trail, like pavement, crossing-buttons and signs 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 facilities that are separated from roadways. In a few instances on-street facilities may be used to fill a gap temporarily, but the goal will be a fully separated facility, including at intersections or roadway crossings. This funding will not be used for single track trails, or anything that is dirt or gravel. Visit the Process page for more information.
If there is an idea for a trail that would see recreational activity on it as well as transportation activity can it still be considered?
The primary purpose of these trails is to create safe and comfortable options that connect people to their destinations. However, trails may be used for recreational purposes as well as utility purposes.
Why do these types of trails and facilities matter? Why not just paint bike lanes on the roadway?
The latest safety research suggests that many people will not choose to walk or bike unless the path provides 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. Since the goal is to make the experience comfortable for people of all ages and abilities, separated facilities are critical.
What about maintenance?
UDOT can use this funding to maintain the trails that are a part of the Utah Trail Network. The details of how this maintenance will occur is still being developed.
Who will own the UTN trail facilities?
These facilities will be owned by UDOT.
Will there be restrooms, trailheads and wayfinding along the 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 and the Utah Transportation Commission will decide which facilities will be part of the Utah Trail Network program. As part of the program development process, UDOT is working closely with partners such as Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Association of Governments, and Counties to understand which proposed trails from existing plans might be eligible for the funding and, when connected together, build out a regional paved trail backbone or spine. UDOT intends to honor the comprehensive planning work that has already been done across the state, while creating space for municipalities to imagine new, critical connections that might not yet be planned. Similar to other transportation funding decisions, the proposed trail projects for the UTN will be approved by the governor-appointed Utah Transportation Commission. The process for how UDOT is considering facilities is outlined on the Process page.
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 your local officials about the trail project you are interested in. It is also important that the facility you are interested in is on a plan. When you speak with local officials, ask them if you can find that facility on a plan. You can also discuss the project with the Association of Government or Metropolitan Planning Organization it is located in.
I work for a jurisdiction or municipality within Utah, how do I make sure UDOT knows about trails in my area that I believe could be a good fit for the Utah Trail Network?
UDOT will be looking closely at existing Regional Transportation Plans (RTPs) and the Long Range Transportation plan for trail projects that meet the eligibility requirements on the Process page. That being said, we understand that not every great project might be captured on those plans, so we encourage you to reach out to the Trails Division if there is a project in your area that should be considered.
Is it possible to nominate a project to be considered for the Utah Trail Network?
We will be starting with existing plans to identify projects that contribute to building a regional backbone. We don’t anticipate opening up project nominations at this time.
What if there is an existing trail that is meeting the intent of the program and funding? Is UDOT going to take over ownership of that facility?
Our first priority is to construct new trails to connect to community destinations and create regional continuity. If there is an existing regional facility in an area that becomes part of a regional backbone or spine, we may take a closer look at ownership and operation of the existing segment in the future.
What if there is a gap in an existing regional trail, can this funding be used to fill that gap?
The Utah Trail Network program can be used to fill a gap in a regional trail. Gap closures could be things like grade separated crossings, or creating a safer or more functional route through a difficult area.
Can UDOT use eminent domain (acquire private property) to build these trails?
UDOT will not use eminent domain to build Utah Trail Network facilities.
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 stand alone trail projects that are separated from vehicular traffic. Under some circumstances this funding may be used to supplement an existing roadway project, but that is only if that roadway project includes a Utah Trail Network trail.
What are design and construction considerations for these trails?
UDOT will develop a design manual for Utah Trail Network trail facilities. This means there will be standards for trail features like width, pavement materials, and wayfinding signs. This will help Utah Trail Network facilities have a consistent look and feel across the state while considering local context.
Can e-bikes, equestrians, or OHVs use these trails?
Utah Trail Network trail users must be powered by human propulsion. So e-bikes will be allowed, but equestrians and OHVs will not. There may be instances where other types of users can be adjacent to the trail, but that will be dependent on available space and local context.
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. You can visit https://projectprioritization.udot.utah.gov/ for more information about the TIF/TTIF funding.