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Active‑transportation board and UDOT push to put Morgan Valley trail projects on Utah Trail Network map
Summary
Morgan County’s active‑transportation leaders and UDOT Region 1 planning staff discussed efforts to map a spine of paved, shared trails across Utah, funding available through the Utah Trail Network, and priority local projects to improve connectivity from Mountain Green to Morgan and to Ogden Valley.
At a county meeting, the Morgan Valley Active Transportation Board and UDOT officials described efforts to place Morgan County trail projects on the new Utah Trail Network and to pursue funding for corridor planning and construction.
Josh Bond, chair of Morgan County’s Active Transportation Board, and Ryan Halverson, UDOT Region 1 planning manager, briefed the commission on the Utah Trail Network — a recently created UDOT program with legislative backing to build a connected system of paved, shared‑use trails across the state. The program has access to a dedicated funding stream (developers and legislators cited an early allocation of roughly $45 million per year statewide for trail network projects) and is prioritizing shovel‑ready segments and studies that can move to construction quickly.
Local priorities and the “missing link” Local leaders said Morgan County is a “missing link” between established trail systems in Weber, Davis and Summit counties. Priority local projects include: (a) a paved connector from Mountain Green (the “dirt‑spot” staging area) to Morgan that would link to longer‑distance trails; (b) improved trail connections along Cottonwood Creek and under proposed interchange ramps; and (c) a potential Old Trappers Loop connection between Morgan and Ogden Valley.
UDOT’s program manager described the Utah Trail Network process Halverson said the trail program is identifying a statewide spine, developing design standards and considering maintenance responsibilities; part of the program’s first year funded shovel‑ready trails, feasibility and environmental work. He said maintenance responsibilities typically fall to the local jurisdiction where the trail is located, although the trail program is investigating recurring maintenance funding. UDOT will evaluate conflict points where trails cross busy state routes and whether crossings need flashing beacons, grade separation or other treatments.
Funding and implementation issues UDOT staff emphasized that the Utah Trail Network is one source of funding among several (including federal safety money and other transportation funds). Local advocates were urged to have shovel‑ready designs and cost estimates so projects can compete for program dollars. Commissioners and the board discussed potential roles for a Morgan Valley trails foundation to help with fund‑raising and maintenance once trails are built.
