Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
The new section of SR-177 will follow the same alignment as the original 2017 EIS and will travel from SR-193 to 1800 North in West Point.
Between SR-193 and 1800 North, SR-177 (West Davis Highway) will have four lanes (two lanes in each direction). In the original environmental study, this section was studied for two lanes, but due to the ongoing growth in the area, four lanes are needed to meet traffic projections.
During the environmental re-evaluation, a noise study will be conducted to see if any areas qualify for noise walls. Residents in the areas that qualify will be able to vote on the installation of noise walls. For more information about noise walls please follow the link.
UDOT is currently working with the cities to find the best trail alignment. Once determined, we will update the public.
The SR-177 extension project will include an interchange at SR-193 with on and off ramps. Bridges will be built for SR-177 over 300 North, 800 North and 1300 North, and the project will end at an at-grade intersection at 1800 North.
An environmental re-evaluation is a continuation of the review of a project after the final decision has been made under the National Environmental Policy Act. For the West Davis Corridor, re-evaluations have been prepared for design updates that have been made since the 2017 Record of Decision. This re-evaluation will assess design changes on the portion of the corridor from SR 193 to 1800 North. This study will review the potential environmental impacts and considerations in light of those changes. As part of the re-evaluation, UDOT will be engaging in the following:
- Identification of Changes: Identifying any changes that have occurred since the 2017 Record of Decision. This may include changes in engineering design, environmental regulations, population growth, transportation demand, or other relevant factors.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering updated information to accurately assess current environmental conditions and potential impacts. This includes performing field surveys of wetlands and cultural resources, gathering traffic data and noise measurements, getting input from agencies and stakeholders, and other research activities.
- Public Involvement and Stakeholder Coordination: Meeting with stakeholders, sharing information on the project website and through social media, responding to inquiries, and holding a public meeting. Regulatory agencies will be provided with reports that document the findings for air quality, wetland, and cultural resources.
- Reassessment of Mitigation Measures: If new impacts are identified or if conditions have changed, mitigation measures may need to be reassessed or revised to address these concerns effectively.
- Documentation and Reporting: The findings of the re-evaluation process are documented in a report, which outlines the updated environmental assessment, any changes to the project plans or mitigation measures, and the rationale behind these decisions. Information about these findings will be available for public review at the public meeting.
- Final Review and Approval: The updated environmental re-evaluation, including regulatory agency approval or endorsement of individual reports, is reviewed and approved by UDOT’s environmental staff, before any further steps are taken in the project implementation process.
Environmental Study
Yes. UDOT conducted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) between 2010-2017. A Final EIS was completed in July 2017 and a Record of Decision was given by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in September 2017. The purpose of the environmental process was to study the potential impacts of each of the alternatives on the community and environment. Impacts studied included wetlands, wildlife habitat, farmlands, air quality, water quality, historic resources, structures, and the local economy and communities. UDOT, in consultation with FHWA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and many other federal and state agencies, selected “Alternative B1” as the alternative with the least overall impact to both the built and natural environments.
The federal Clean Water Act requires that wetlands impacted by construction must be mitigated. The West Davis Corridor Wetland & Wildlife Mitigation Plan outlines UDOT’s intention to restore impacted wetlands and those areas where mitigation will be pursued.
You can find the Final EIS here and the Record of Decision here.
Property Acquisition/Right of Way
Note: The following information is general in nature, does not discuss specific right-of-way actions relative to any future project and is for illustration of and to answer questions about UDOT processes ONLY.
There is a process that must be followed when land is acquired for a roadway project. This process is defined in federal and state law, which requires government agencies to provide just compensation for any acquired property. Property acquisition procedures are described in detail on UDOT’s website in the Acquisition, Appraisal, and Relocation section at www.udot.utah.gov (Home — Inside UDOT — Project Development — Right of Way). This section of the UDOT website includes brochures on property owner’s rights and acquiring property.
By law, state agencies must pay “fair market value” for private property. The fair market value is determined by an approved, independent appraiser. The appraiser evaluates the property and also researches the area for properties with similar characteristics that have sold recently. The property owner has the right to be present during the appraisal property inspection and can bring to the appraiser’s attention any characteristics pertinent to the appraisal.
After the appraisal is complete, the state offers to acquire the property at fair market value, as determined by the appraiser’s valuation. Under state law, UDOT’s offer must be based on the fair market value and supported by documented justification. The agency will make every effort to reach an agreement with the owner during negotiations. The owner may provide additional information, and make reasonable counter offers and proposals for the agency to consider. Additional information about the property acquisition process is available on UDOT’s website at www.udot.utah.gov (Home — Inside UDOT — Project Development — Right of Way).
If a private property owner does not accept the state’s offer, the state will file an eminent domain law action in State District Court. In the eminent domain action, the court will determine the fair market value of the property, after considering evidence submitted by both parties.
If the state begins an eminent domain action, an individual should consult with an attorney about legal rights. The Utah Property Rights Ombudsman is also available for advice.
In the event a project only impacts a portion of an owner’s property, UDOT will pay fair market value for the land and improvements that are actually impacted. Owners may also receive proximity damages or payment for an easement depending on the property and the appraisal valuation. Proximity damages are only available to those whose property is directly impacted. The property may be purchased in total if determined appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
The state has a relocation assistance program that provides benefits for all those who are displaced by a roadway or transit project (including residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farmers).
As part of this program, the state provides assistance in identifying replacement property. Replacement property must be comparable to the property that is being acquired, and also must be decent, safe, and sanitary.
In addition, as part of the relocation assistance program, the State pays for eligible relocation costs. Relocation costs include moving costs (packing, storage, shipping, etc.) as well as other costs associated with the relocation.
The relocation payment is separate from the payment for the fair market value of the property itself. Additional information about relocation assistance is available on UDOT’s website at www.udot.utah.gov (Home — Inside UDOT — Project Development — Right of Way).
Tenants of rental properties may be eligible for relocation benefits. If the property is acquired in advance of the need for the property, the tenant may be allowed to remain in the residence (under lease from the state) until the project begins. Tenants are eligible for relocation assistance only if UDOT has asked the tenant to move because of the project.
Since 2001, UDOT has purchased dozens of properties along several of the proposed alternatives in the SR-177 (West Davis Highway) project through the state corridor preservation program. This is a regular, ongoing process and does not influence the outcome of the EIS. Any properties acquired through corridor preservation that are not ultimately needed to build the highway can be sold.
It is not within a city’s or state’s right to deny building permits to developers who meet all requirements and want to develop their land. UDOT works closely with cities and counties during an environmental study process to encourage developers to reserve land for future transportation improvements. In some cases, where the developer is willing, UDOT is able to purchase a portion of the land through advanced acquisition.
Realtors are required to disclose any information that may affect the property to a potential buyer. Individuals should contact an attorney with any questions regarding the responsibility to disclose information about the SR-177 (West Davis Highway) study.
Stakeholder Involvement
The best way to stay in the know on all things related to construction is to join our stakeholder mailing list. The project team will send regular updates on construction schedule, impact, notifications, progress photos and videos, public events, etc. Click here to subscribe.
The project team will create a Resident Working Group when the project moves into construction. This group will be comprised of representatives from various neighborhoods, HOA’s, and city officials throughout the corridor. The Resident Working Group members act as a conduit between the project team and the residents and neighborhoods they represent, sharing feedback and dispersing project information, and meeting regularly throughout the project. To learn more about who your Resident Working Group representative is, or to inquire about becoming a representative, please contact the Public Involvement Team at 877-298-1991 or westdavis@utah.gov.
Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2025, with some early utility work occurring as soon as fall 2024. The project is expected to be complete and the highway open by 2028.
