UDOT says expanding I-15 won’t increase pollution, here’s why they’re wrong

The Utah Dept. of Transportation is in it’s final stages of the environmental review on their proposal to expand I-15, and we have some MAJOR concerns.

Their study showed that air pollution would increase (of course) but said the use of public transit/electric vehicles would keep pollution levels within federal limits.

The study is a farce. The analysis projected levels for only two pollutants, relied on data from a monitoring station more than 2 miles from the freeway, and included pollution data from 2020, when there was markedly less traffic on the roads.

“This is as nonsensical as trying to improve public health by handing out free cigarettes,” Dr. Brian Moench, president of UPHE, said to the Tribune. “It’s just not going to help the community.”

As UPHE wrote in our comments months ago to UDOT on the expansion, it is well documented that expanding highways have increased pollution and done little to nothing to improve congestion. See our full comments here, and a recap below.

Freeway Expansions Fail to Reduce Congestion:

Expanding freeways has consistently failed to improve traffic congestion due to “induced demand,” where increased road capacity leads to more traffic, ultimately nullifying any temporary relief. A 2019 study shows that vehicle miles traveled rise proportionally with lane mileage, with congestion relief disappearing within five years. For instance, the $2.7 billion expansion of the Katy Freeway in Houston to 26 lanes resulted in worsened commuter times within just two years.

Freeways Create Urban Sprawl and Economic Disparities:

Freeways create physical, social, and economic barriers, degrading communities and fostering urban sprawl. Many cities are removing freeways to revitalize their downtowns, improving property values and quality of life. Conversely, freeway expansions reduce neighborhood quality of life, especially in central cities, leading to lower property values and increased pollution in disadvantaged communities.

Contributing to the Climate Crisis:

This proposal exacerbates the climate crisis, adding significant carbon emissions through construction, urban sprawl, and increased vehicle miles traveled. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gases in the U.S., and cement used in construction is a major global emitter. UDOT should prioritize mitigating the climate crisis rather than promoting car-centric development that locks in emissions for decades.

Overlooking Changing Trends:

UDOT’s traffic models may overlook critical trends like increased remote work and generational shifts away from car ownership. Millennials and Gen Z are driving less, and many now work from home, reducing the need for expanded freeways. Additionally, Utah’s environmental challenges, including air quality and water scarcity, may soon limit population growth, further reducing traffic projections.

Freeways Increase Pollution and Urban Heat:

Freeways contribute significantly to air pollution, emitting toxic gases, particulate matter, and heavy metals. Proximity to freeways is linked to serious health risks, including cancer, poor pregnancy outcomes, and dementia. Freeway expansion also exacerbates the urban heat island effect, increasing temperatures, energy demand, and air pollution, while speeding up climate change.

Find the full Salt Lake Tribune article on issues with UDOT’s study here.