UDOT recreational hotspot funding for moab area 

Arches Hotspot Dispersed Parking, Shuttle/Transit and Shared-Use Path Survey

(Survey conducted Oct. 1 - Oct. 18, 2020)

About this survey
The Arches Hotspot Coordinating Committee, consisting of Grand County, the City of Moab, a community representative, and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), has identified three separate projects aimed at reducing congestion and improving traffic flow in Moab's downtown core. 

In 2018, $10 million was awarded to the Arches National Park/Moab area by the Utah Transportation Commission through a “Recreation Hotspot” grant. The objectives of the funding have to meet three criteria for a project to be eligible for funding from the state: it must reduce traffic congestion, support economic development, and increase recreation and tourism opportunities. A parking structure was originally planned, but in 2020, the Moab City Council decided to explore other alternatives that could meet the funding goals. The Arches Hotspot Committee was created to identify possible projects to be submitted for funding consideration. The Hotspot Committee has identified the following three project concepts and is asking the community for feedback.

The Concepts

Dispersed Parking -- Downtown Core and Emma Blvd. Area
The dispersed parking project would use a "complete streets" approach to redesign downtown side streets in ways that encourage greater pedestrian and bicycle activity while also supporting the emerging needs of businesses, transit, and traditional motor vehicles. Dispersed parking along and adjacent to Emma Blvd. north of town is also under consideration.

Streetscapes that include angled, parallel, and median parking are identified as being particularly suited for providing additional parking and other valued streetscape features in the downtown core. Parking in the Emma Blvd. area will include parking lots and parallel parking.

Shared-Use Path Connecting Moab to Spanish Valley 
This project features a multi-use path running parallel to Spanish Valley Drive for its entire length, from its intersection with Mill Creek Drive to the County line, with the possibility of further extension into San Juan County along the La Sal Loop Road. The path would tie into the many existing paths and trails in the Moab area, creating a continuous network for both transportation and recreation.

The primary path design will be a “sidepath,” a physically separated pathway with room for travel in both directions. A paved path for cyclists and pedestrians on one side of the road will be paired with a dirt equestrian path on the other side (beginning at Old Spanish Trail Arena and heading south).

Shuttle/Transit Pilot Program
UDOT has engaged consultants to come up with the details, costs, and benefits for a 3- to 4-year pilot shuttle system that would test the demand and viability of long-term transit for our community. 

If selected, capital infrastructure for this work will be funded by UDOT as part of the state's Hotspot funding program. 

View the Complete 3- Project Survey Results

August-September Parking Survey

Arches Hotspot Off-Main Street Parking Survey Results

(Survey conducted Aug. 14 through Sept. 2, 2020)

About this survey

The Arches Hotspot Coordinating Committee is exploring concepts to create additional on-street parking in the downtown core. The purpose is to create appealing and functional streetscapes that strengthen community life, expand business opportunities, and mitigate traffic congestion on and around the central Main Street area. 

The Hotspot Committee is also exploring several other projects, including a shared-use path connecting Spanish Valley to existing paths in Moab and possibly San Juan County and the La Sal Loop Road, and the potential for a limited transit system. A new survey will be available soon as more details are available for those potential projects.

The current effort is focused on downtown parking. Over recent weeks, an Arches Hotspot Subcommittee has been studying examples of streets in other cities that have been transformed to better balance the competing needs of all road users. Through this "complete street" approach, the goal is to redesign downtown side streets in ways that encourage greater pedestrian and bicycle activity while also supporting the emerging needs of businesses, transit, and traditional motor vehicles.

Streetscapes that include angled and perpendicular parking and median parking are currently under primary consideration. These concepts have been initially assessed as particularly suited for providing additional parking and other valued streetscape features.

If selected, capital infrastructure for this work will be funded by UDOT as part of the state's Hotspot funding program. 

In August, the Arches Hotspot Regional Coordinating Committee solicited community input on these parking concepts to help inform the committee's recommendations moving forward. 

View the Complete Survey Results