Transportation Solutions | Northern Utah County | Study
Transportation Solutions | Northern Utah County | Study
The Northern Utah County Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Study is evaluating transportation solutions to improve mobility, enhance connectivity, and support the region’s long-term growth.
Utah Lake Geotechnical Investigation
Oct. 5, 2026 - Oct. 22, 2026
What is happening?
As part of the Northern Utah County PEL Study, UDOT is conducting geotechnical investigations on Utah Lake to gather information about conditions beneath the lakebed. Equipment will begin staging at Utah Lake State Park on October 5, and work on the lake is expected to continue for up to 18 days.
What will visitors see?
A barge equipped with drilling equipment operating at four locations on the lake.
A support boat moving crew and equipment between locations.
Equipment staying at each location for approximately 2 to 4 days.
Lighting on the barge at night for visibility and safety.
The work will not restrict recreational access to the lake.
Why is this work being done?
The testing will help the study team better understand lakebed conditions in Utah Lake. The information collected will support engineering evaluations, feasibility assessments, and preliminary cost estimates.
Does this mean a lake crossing has been approved?
No decision has been made whether a lake crossing will be recommended as part of this study. The testing is being conducted to gather information and does not represent a decision about a future crossing or its location.
How does this fit into the larger study?
The Northern Utah County PEL Study is evaluating long-term transportation needs and potential transportation solutions around Utah Lake. The information collected through this investigation will help inform the study’s evaluation of a potential lake crossing as one of several transportation concepts under consideration.
Overview
Northern Utah County is experiencing rapid growth, increasing travel demand, and evolving transportation needs. To help address these concerns, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), in partnership with the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG), has initiated the Northern Utah County Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Study. This effort will establish a "Full Build-Out" vision for the region, looking beyond traditional planning cycles to the year 2055 and beyond to support long-term growth.
This PEL study links long-range transportation planning to future implementation, building on regional efforts like the MAG Regional Transportation Plan. By examining regional needs and technical factors, including an initial assessment of a potential Utah Lake Crossing, the PEL will identify community-supported solutions for preservation, environmental review, design, and construction.
Benefits
The PEL process offers a streamlined approach to moving transportation ideas from planning toward real implementation. By studying needs and considering environmental and engineering factors earlier, the PEL provides a more efficient and clearer path for corridor preservation and for future projects to advance into environmental review, design, and construction. This approach helps agencies make more informed decisions, use resources efficiently, and develop transportation improvements that better serve the region's growing communities.
Focus Area
The Northern Utah County PEL focuses on the rapidly growing communities surrounding Utah Lake. This area plays an important role in the region’s transportation network, serving residents, businesses, and regional travel between Utah County and Salt Lake County.
As population and employment continue to grow, the study will evaluate how the transportation system can support:
Regional mobility
Local access and connectivity
Travel between communities around Utah Lake
Multimodal transportation options
This map represents a starting point. The PEL focus area will be refined as we continue throughout the process.
PEL Process & Timeline
Contact Information
To contact the public information team with questions or concerns, email
Stay Informed
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