Item: Little Cottonwood Canyon Transportation Study
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Title: Little Cottonwood Canyon Transportation Study
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2006 International Snow Science Workshop, Telluride, Colorado
Authors:
- Jon Nepstad [ Fehr and Peers Associates ]
- Ritchie Taylor [ Utah Department of Transportation ]
- Chris Stethem [ Chris Stethem and Associates ]
- Andrea Clayton [ HW Lochner ]
Date: 2006
Abstract: This project was commissioned by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) in conjunction with Alta Ski Lifts, Snowbird, the Town of Alta, and the Utah Transit Authority. The purpose was to quantify the risk associated with SR-210, a.k.a. Little Cottonwood Canyon road. Traffic management in Little Cottonwood Canyon relies on the hard work of avalanche forecasters, maintenance and law enforcement staff, and extensive coordination with the ski resorts. Due to the diligent efforts of all the parties, the highway has been relatively safe during ski seasons, in spite of being one of the most avalanche-prone highways in North America. However, with the increasing popularity and growth of the resorts, additional measures can be taken to continue to ensure a high level of safety for all modes. This unique project examined a wide variety of options to improve the highway safety from avalanche danger. The study investigated some extreme measures such as realigning the highway out of slide paths (but into protected Wilderness Areas), building snow sheds or tunnels, innovative demand management concepts such as increased transit service, parking lot metering and ITS measures such as traveler information systems at park and rides and the resorts. One of more interesting tasks was actually determining “packages†of improvements for the long corridor. These packages were compounded further by the need to recommend short term and long term projects as well. The study provided direction for UDOT, UTA, Forest Service and the ski resorts for future transportation improvements.
Object ID: issw-2006-907-909.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: risk reduction, transportation, planning, traffic
Page Number(s): 907-909
Subjects: risk management snow transportation avalanche safety
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