Cottonwood Canyon Variable Message Signs

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)

Holladay, Sandy, and Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Overview

Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon draw massive crowds during ski season and summer recreation peaks. By the time most drivers realized the canyons were congested or parking was full, they were already in it.

We provided ITS design and integration services for UDOT to push that information upstream. Three overhead variable message signs (VMS) and three traction warning signs were deployed at key approach points across Holladay City, Sandy City, and Cottonwood Heights City. Drivers get real-time conditions, parking availability, and transit options before they commit to the canyon roads, giving them time to make a different choice.

We led the full design scope. It’s a system that works before the problem starts.

This work was performed by O’Neill & Company prior to its acquisition by Horner & Shifrin in 2026.

Services

Project Scope

Market

Government

Location

Cottonwood Heights, Utah

  • Overhead variable message sign spanning the roadway in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, with the sign face unlit, a bicycle route sign to the right, trees and grass lining both sides of the road, and a clay wall with signage visible on the right shoulder.
    One of three overhead VMS locations deployed across the Cottonwood Canyon corridor, positioned to reach drivers early enough to make a difference.
  • Illuminated variable message sign over the roadway displaying “Little Cottonwood Canyon” and a 25-minute travel time in yellow text on a black sign, with a 50 mph speed limit sign visible to the right, green hills in the background, and trees lining both sides of the road.
    Approaching the canyon, drivers get conditions and travel time overhead before the road narrows. The system works before the congestion starts.
Innovation. Agility.
Reliability. Horner & Shifrin.