Last week, UDOT sent out a press release announcing that its “Roads to Recreation” program would now include a branch focused on Ogden Valley.

“The program provides updates on road, weather, traffic and parking conditions at popular recreation destinations across the state, including the Cottonwood Canyons, Wasatch Back and Zion National Park area,” the release said. “Roads to Recreation brings together local partners, real-time traveler information, and seasonal transportation resources to help visitors plan ahead and navigate to and from recreation areas with confidence.”

The Ogden Valley program went live on Nov. 24.

UDOT Director of Public Relations John Gleason told the Standard-Examiner in an email that “Roads to Recreation” started in 2019 with Cottonwood Canyons and has expanded from there.

He said that the Ogden Valley was a natural expansion for the program.

“Recreation areas in the Ogden Valley were identified as recreation hotspots in a study we did in 2017 and the area continues to be a popular year-round recreation destination that experiences traffic challenges,” he said. “We have found that by improving traveler information we can help the existing transportation system function as efficiently as possible. Informed travelers understand what to expect from weather, road conditions, parking and transit options, and are able to plan their trips accordingly.”

Gleason said that the program will help keep drivers up on several parameters throughout the region from conditions to specific roadway restrictions.

“Travelers can use the website to see current road conditions, travel times, cameras, and information about things like traction law requirements or the new vehicle-length restriction in Ogden Canyon,” he said. We also link to partner resources for parking and transit, so all users can make informed travel decisions. On the website and social media, we’ll share highly specific, real-time updates like major crashes, resort parking status, weather-related restrictions, and other notable impacts to traffic. We will coordinate closely with local partners so those updates are as timely and consistent as possible.”

He said that the site will also include resources to plan well ahead of a trip to the Ogden Valley.

“We’ll also provide educational content to help people know what to expect, including peak travel times, parking practices, transit options, and how to prepare for winter driving,” he said. “By preparing visitors for the conditions and available choices they can plan ahead, reduce delays, and have a safer, more enjoyable trip.”

Gleason said that UDOT is happy to be able to launch this new service as people begin to congregate on the area for winter recreation once again.

“We’re excited to provide this resource for people visiting the Ogden Valley and appreciate the support of our partners,” he said. “We had the opportunity to meet with local governments, tourism industry representatives, ski areas, and others, and the insights they shared helped shape these tools. The Ogden Valley is a beautiful place to recreate and we’re glad to offer resources that help people prepare and make the most of their time in the area.”

He said, at this time, there are no immediate plans to expand the program further, but that UDOT will continue to evaluate other popular recreation areas for future inclusion.

To access the Ogden Valley “Roads to Recreation” page, visit https://ogdenvalley.udot.utah.gov/ or follow @udotogdenvalley on major social media pages. Gleason noted that the website is optimized for mobile use and includes all social media status updates and educational posts.