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State transportation law will limit some street redesigns; staff to negotiate critical‑routes map with UDOT
Summary
Commissioners were briefed on SB242, which requires a city 'critical capacity routes' map (tier 1–4) and restricts travel‑capacity reductions on higher‑tier streets; staff said many street‑safety measures may require UDOT coordination and the city must report progress to the legislature by late 2027.
The Planning Director reviewed SB242, a state transportation bill that requires Salt Lake City to adopt a critical capacity routes map identifying tier 1–4 streets and to coordinate with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) on what traffic‑capacity reductions are allowed on higher‑tier streets.
Director Nick said tier 1 and 2 classifications will limit the city's ability to implement highway reduction strategies without UDOT approval. "Tier 1 is a regionally significant highway... The city cannot implement highway reduction strategies," he said, explaining that several UDOT streets are effectively subject to those constraints. He added that the legislation also requires a mitigation plan and a report to the legislature’s transportation interim committee by Nov. 30, 2027.
Commissioners asked about the criteria for assigning tiers and how the required study area is defined. Nick said the city will work with UDOT to identify which streets are tier 1 or 2 and cited a broad study area that likely includes parts of the urban grid; he noted that UDOT has already studied changes the city has made and found no measurable traffic impact, which the city will reference when negotiating the map.
Staff flagged specific constraints in the law, including minimum lane width standards for some tiers, restrictions on materially reducing travel capacity, and limits on removing on‑street parking (no more than three stalls per block without additional engagement and UDOT notification). The director said staff expect to try to keep most streets in tier 4 but that some city streets will fall into higher tiers and require careful coordination.
Commissioners did not vote on any measure; staff said they will return with analysis and a proposed approach for the required mapping and public engagement.
