Planning Process

The graphic below provides an overview of UDOT’s approach to rural long range transportation planning, which involves more than one method for project identification. The process begins and continues with outreach to the public, local governments, tribal nations, and other interests across the state requesting insights on context, goals, values, challenges, and needs. In addition, transportation models that evaluate the pressure future population growth will put on the transportation system are used to help validate and identify transportation needs. Once needs are identified, UDOT works with their transportation partners to develop funding forecasts that are paired with identified transportation needs in rural areas. A project list is prepared addressing both existing and future transportation needs. These lists are then broken out into phases based on anticipated need and fiscal constraints. UDOT strives to be both transparent and inclusive by welcoming public comment throughout the process as part of the Public Participation Plan.

Two rounds of regional gatherings facilitated through the local associations of governments (AOGs) were key in gathering insights and input from across the state. For fast-growing communities in rural areas, Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) are in place to provide direct input to transportation plans. These RPOs were key in developing the needs, project lists, and priorities within their area. Initial meetings were held to identify important aspects related to defining quality of life and problems within each of the AOG and RPO areas throughout rural Utah. This information provided context within each area, and an initial outline of needs for the areas. Follow up meetings were held to review the needs identified and identify strategies to address the needs.


The RPOs in Utah are the 


The AOGs in Utah are linked below:

The schedule below shows the process followed and specific times when public and local government feedback was solicited (orange circles), although public comment was welcome and incorporated at any time.