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UDOT outlines $460 million in Moab‑area projects, highlights trails and safety work
Summary
UDOT staff told the Transportation Commission that San Juan County has received about $296 million and Grand County $165 million in projects over the past decade, and detailed near‑term work including a $10.9 million Cottonwood Wash bridge, a 54.4‑mile SR‑162/262 corridor project and trail connections to Raptor State Park.
UDOT gave commissioners a detailed rundown of work in and around Moab on Thursday, saying recent investments aim to improve safety and connectivity for residents and the large number of visitors who use US‑191.
Cameron Gay, UDOT region program manager, said San Juan County has seen $295,865,000 allocated across 68 projects over the last 10 years and Grand County about $165,000,000 across 51 projects. "These projects range from preservation and rehab to structure replacements, widening and corridor preservation," Gay said, summarizing a portfolio that includes pavement preservation and trail work.
Gay highlighted several projects: the Cottonwood Wash bridge replacement ($10,900,000), a major SR‑162/262 safety and corridor project ($152,400,000) that spans about 54.4 miles and includes a new roundabout at Montezuma Creek, and a replacement of the McElmo bridge. "This project is about 70% complete to date," he said of the SR‑162/262 work, and said crews expect to finish next year.
In the Moab area, UDOT described a Moab Canyon Trail extension to the new Raptor State Park that will include an underpass under US‑191 to allow safe crossings for pedestrians; that trail is slated to advertise in 2026 with construction in 2027. A separate Highway 128 gap closure — a constrained 0.7‑mile section — is budgeted at about $12,200,000 and will use retaining measures to protect the trail from river impacts.
Local officials praised the work and urged continued attention to pedestrian safety and alternate routes off US‑191. Moab Mayor Joette Langanese told the commission the recent signal timing changes and new left‑turn signals on Center Street have reduced conflicts downtown. "That pause has really kind of slowed traffic down enough that we can make left hand turns off of Main Street," she said.
Commissioners asked staff about guardrail and shoulder improvements on reservation roads and coordination with tribal partners; region staff confirmed shoulder widening, guardrail installation and reconstructive safety work in steep segments.
The presentation closed with UDOT staff encouraging commissioners to take bridge‑inspection or project site visits to see the work first hand.
