Safety is the goal as plans continue on the Highway 191 project north of Vernal. UDOT Project Manager Larry Montoya made a presentation during the most recent Vernal Chamber luncheon, providing details on the much anticipated project. The goal is to improve safety as there have been 15 accidents on the switchbacks in recent years, primarily due to brake failure. The project is a joint effort between UDOT and Simplot Phosphates, as well as the BLM towards the bottom of the project area. The road is going to be moved to the east which will remove the majority of the switchbacks. Montoya noted that Simplot will exchange the property and replace the mined area with road base materials where the new road will go and the area where the road is currently will be traded to Simplot to be mined. It is expected that construction will start in 2025. The current road will remain in place until the project is complete. To learn more, visit www.udot.utah.gov.
photo credit UDOT
