AASHTO Journal - Master Plan Map Completed for Utah Trail Network

Governor Spencer Cox (R) (above) recently hailed the completion of the master plan map for the Utah Trail Network; a plan that is expected to be updated every four years.

[Above photo by the Utah Governor’s Office]

The Utah Department of Transportation has designated 2,600 miles of new paved trails and 500 miles of existing trails as part of what the governor called a “visionary system” to connect state residents of all ages and abilities to their destinations and communities.

The statewide trail system will eventually link 208 Utah towns and cities, 33 universities and community colleges, 74 high-capacity transit stations, six national parks and 25 state parks. Once fully built out, roughly 95 percent of all state residents will live within one mile of the Utah Trail Network, Utah DOT noted in a statement.

“We need to spend more time outside, more time connecting with people and more time exercising, and the way we do that is through our trail system,” Gov. Cox said during his keynote address at the annual Utah Transportation Conference. “The Utah Trail Network helps every Utahn commute, recreate and enjoy Utah. It’s a great way to build for future generations.”

In 2022, Cox championed a vision for a statewide trail network to link Utahns across the state, connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks and downtowns through one system of safe, accessible paved trails.

Then in 2023, the Utah Legislature created a fund specifically for active transportation – called the “Active Transportation Investment Fund” – to provide fiscal support to the Utah Trail Network.

Utah DOT worked closely with communities and planning partners across the state in selecting paved trails for the master plan map.

“Generations from now, people will look back and remember this as the moment Utah changed how we get around,” added Carlos Braceras, Utah DOT executive director.

“The Utah Trail Network will connect communities in every corner of the state and give people more ways to move, explore and enjoy life here,” he said.

In late 2024, the Utah Transportation Commission approved nearly $95 million in funding to build and plan 19 new paved trails or complete existing trail gaps across the state. Several are scheduled to start construction next spring, depending on contractor schedules, supply availability and other factors like weather.