Salt Lake City Drops Capitol Hill Bike Lanes
The city is abandoning a roughly $670,000 bike lane project after the Utah Transportation Commission rescinded its funding.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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The Utah Transportation Commission voted to rescind funding for the Capitol Hill bike lanes on Main Street, which Salt Lake City had planned to build starting in 2025. The city asked for the grant to be cancelled, citing requirements under SB242 and an extended construction timeline caused by SB195, SB242, and the Temple Open House.
Why it matters
The decision reflects how new state oversight under SB242, which placed Salt Lake City's local streets under UDOT control and banned the city from making street safety improvements, is limiting local street projects. It follows the city's earlier abandonment of several other safety projects that had been diluted, delayed, or undone by the same law.
The Utah Transportation Commission rescinded roughly $670,000 in active transportation funding that UDOT had granted for the project, which was scheduled to begin construction in 2025. The city has not said whether or when it will reapply, as project details and legislative requirements remain unsettled.
The players
Utah Transportation Commission
The state body that voted to rescind the funding for the Capitol Hill bike lanes project.
Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)
The state agency that granted the active transportation funding and now oversees Salt Lake City's local streets under SB242.
The details
The city requested cancellation of the grant, pointing to SB242 requirements, possible further legislative changes, and an extended construction timeline. The project would have placed bike lanes on Main Street between North Temple and 300 North, while UDOT is widening sidewalks and adding curb extensions on State Street for a new Pioneer Trail walking route.
Timeline
2025: Capitol Hill bike lane construction was scheduled to begin.
Friday: The Utah Transportation Commission voted to rescind the project's funding.
Legislative Policy Context
The cancellation follows the city's earlier abandonment of the Pioneer Park segment of its 300 West bikeway and of planned safety work on Sunnyside Avenue, South Temple, and 1700 South under SB242. Together these moves show state legislation shifting control of local street design away from Salt Lake City.
Cyclists who would have used the Main Street bike lanes will not get the planned route for now, and anyone riding to the Capitol may face a detour of about two miles. Residents should watch for whether the city reapplies for funding once requirements are defined.
The takeaway
State control over local streets can cancel city projects even when funding is already approved, so residents who care about street safety should track legislative changes that affect city transportation authority.
Further reading
For more on how state law is reshaping city decisions, see Legislative Policy coverage for Salt Lake City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by City Weekly.
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