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

Map detailing a regional project study area encompassing Utah Lake and its surrounding communities. Major transportation corridors shown for geographical context include Interstate 15 running along the east and south, U.S. Route 6 to the south, and State Route 68 running along the western shore. Surrounding cities and towns shown include Alpine, Highland, American Fork, Lehi, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Orem, Vineyard, Provo, Springville, Mapleton, Spanish Fork, Salem, Payson, Santaquin, Goshen, Elberta, Mosida, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Fairfield, and Cedar Fort.

This map represents a starting point. The PEL focus area will be refined as we continue throughout the process.

PEL Process & Timeline

live
live

Step 1

Define Needs and Study Conditions

February - July 2026 

See "Process & Timeline" tab for more info. 

planned
planned

Steps 2 & 3

Develop & Evaluate Transportation Alternatives

August 2026 - October 2027 

Implementation Strategy

October 2027 - June 2028

See "Process & Timeline" tab for more info. 

Contact Information

To contact the public information team with questions or concerns, email 

NorthernUtahCountyPEL@utah.gov  

Stay Informed

To receive updates at key milestones, please contact the public information team at the email address above or visit the "Updates" tab to sign up.