Study Overview

To keep Utah moving, UDOT completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2011 to evaluate a new corridor connecting I-80 to SR-36 in Tooele. The study team identified a future corridor, now known as Midvalley Highway (SR-179), to be constructed in phases.

The first phase was constructed and opened in October 2021, providing a direct connection from I-80 to SR-138. That section includes a single lane in each direction and was built to provide a long-term transportation solution that can scale as future capacity needs and funding are identified.

In February 2024, UDOT completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) to determine a recommended future road alignment that would extend the Midvalley Highway (SR-179) from SR-138 to SR-36.

Even though an alternative to connect SR-138 and SR-36 was identified in the original EIS, conditions changed and an EA was necessary to find an alternative that would better minimize environmental and community impacts while still addressing long-term transportation needs in the area.