Study Overview

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Cache County, and the Cache Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) are partnering to plan for the future transportation needs of western Cache Valley and further develop solutions to accommodate planned growth. The Western Cache Corridor Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study is a proactive planning effort to help Cache County and the surrounding region identify regional transportation needs on the west side of the county. By looking ahead, the study gives us a chance to evaluate corridor options, coordinate with local communities and agencies, and preserve corridor opportunities before growth and development limit choices.

The goal of this effort is to identify the transportation needs, eliminate unreasonable alternatives, and determine the location of a western corridor to inform future transportation and land development decisions, as well as allow for corridor preservation. A PEL strategy allows planning studies and information and decisions made during the planning phase to be used in subsequent environmental approvals required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Study Objectives

  • Define the transportation challenges in western Cache County through a clear purpose and need statement.
  • Explore a broad range of corridor and facility alternatives to address those challenges.
  • Use a transparent screening process to eliminate clearly unreasonable alternatives.
  • Document environmental resources, land use, and community considerations to support informed decision-making.
  • Provide a structured and inclusive process that strengthens credibility, builds regional coordination, and positions a corridor for future environmental review.
  • Foster open, transparent, and continuous stakeholder and public engagement.

Study Map

The study will look broadly at the west side of Cache County and consider how a new north-south road could connect communities, improve mobility, and minimize environmental and community impacts.

Map of the study area of the Cache PEL Study in Cache County.

 

Study Process

The following graphic illustrates the overall PEL process as defined in four phases. The overall study with all four phases is anticipated to take about 24 months. The study will not move onto the next phase until the steps of the current phase are completed and all coordinating partners are satisfied with phase outcomes.

Graphic showing study phases. Phase 1 - Listen and Learn with PEL study initiation and Problem Identification (current phase). Phase 2 - Study area needs with Purpose and Need and Evaluation Criteria. Phase 3 - Identify Solutions with Develop Alternatives and Evaluate & Screen. Phase 4 - Completed PEL Study.

More information will be provided as the scope of work is further defined.  

Study Timeline

Study timelines are subject to change.

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PEL Study Initiation

The initial phase of the study focuses on clearly outlining the process and outreach efforts specific to western Cache County. This includes developing a charter to define the study’s purpose and desired outcomes by those overseeing the study, as well as gathering background information such as past study efforts and available data for the area. 

Contact Information

To contact the public information team with questions or concerns:

Hotline: 435-317-4167

Email: westerncachecorridor@utah.gov

Stay Informed

To receive study updates, please contact the public involvement team at the email address above and enter "Updates" in the subject line.