Oct 21, 2024 - News

UDOT and police to increase traction inspections up Cottonwood Canyons

Kim Bojórquez

Illustration of a stop sign with a large snowflake on it with smaller flakes falling around it — Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios

The Utah Department of Transportation and local police agencies are ramping up traction law enforcement as colder weather arrives in the Cottonwood Canyons.

State of play: Transportation officials and law enforcement will set up checkpoints when traction rules are in effect to inspect vehicles traveling up State Routes 190 and 210, where Alta, Brighton, Solitude, and Snowbird ski resorts are located, to check a vehicle's tires or traction devices.

Those who don't have the proper tires or feel anxious about driving up the canyons are being asked to take public transportation or shuttles.

What they're saying: "We're planning to provide 1-2 officers per shift, and up to 3-4 officers on busier days to help keep our canyons safe," Cottonwood Heights Police assistant chief Paul Brenneman said in a statement. "This increased enforcement will primarily focus on the morning uphill commute, especially during storms or high-traffic days."

Worth your time: UDOT's free Cottonwood Canyons sticker program allows drivers to get their cars' tires inspected ahead of time, allowing them to pass through checkpoints quicker.

Participating tire inspection locations can be found online.

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UDOT and police to increase traction inspections up Cottonwood Canyons

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