RPO advances needs-based phasing for Tooele Valley highways, prioritizing 2027–2036 projects

The Tooele Valley Rural Planning Organization on June 8 reviewed a draft needs-based phasing that places identified highway projects into three time bands: 2027–2036 (red), 2037–2046 (blue) and 2047–2055 (yellow). Wayne Bennion of the Wasatch Front Regional Council, who presented the map and recommendations, said the phasing is based on traffic forecasts, development plans, safety and pavement needs and is intentionally not fiscally constrained at this stage.

"I really want to emphasize that this is a needs-based plan," Bennion said, adding that the RPO's initial cut draws from the existing RPO plan with adjustments for connectivity. He urged restraint in assigning projects to phase one to avoid unrealistic expectations that all projects can be constructed immediately. Members discussed map symbology — solid lines for new construction, shaded dashed lines for lane additions and plain dashed lines for operational improvements — to ensure consistent interpretation when staff circulates the revised map.

Participants spent the meeting walking through the draft map, assigning colors to many previously gray segments where the group agreed near-term work exists or where grant funding is in place. The group emphasized that after this needs-based exercise UDOT will take the phasing input, apply statewide fiscal constraint and publish a fiscally constrained plan; local project phasing may then be adjusted to reflect statewide priorities. Members agreed to circulate a revised draft by email and revisit the plan at the RPO meeting scheduled for Sept. 14, 2026.