At a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony under bluebird Utah skies, Simplot, partners and the community celebrated the successful completion of the US-191 Realignment Project. This transformative infrastructure and safety enhancement project north of Vernal, Utah is the culmination of a groundbreaking public-private partnership with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).
To mark the milestone, Simplot and UDOT joined the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, public officials, and local dignitaries for the event at the project site. Spirits were high as the group marked a new chapter in rural connectivity and transportation safety in Utah’s Uintah Basin.
This project addressed a critical safety concern along a nearly three-mile stretch of US-191, a vital trucking corridor and scenic byway that connects Vernal to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The original route featured steep grades and hazardous switchbacks, contributing to multiple rollover crashes, including a fatal truck accident in 2021.
Recognizing the need for change, UDOT and Simplot teamed up to realign the highway, removing dangerous curves and replacing the old footprint with a safer, more navigable road. The new design includes:
Simplot’s contribution was pivotal. By donating 10 million cubic yards of soil, rock and sediment, otherwise known as overburden, from its phosphate mining operations and granting right-of-way access through private property, Simplot enabled UDOT to build the new embankment and realignment at a significantly reduced cost. This in-kind support saved taxpayers approximately $40 million while improving safety for drivers.
“For the general public, this project makes US-191 a safer road,” said Utah State Senator, Ron Winterton. “Without this collaboration, the realignment wouldn’t have happened for another 30 to 40 years. Dollar for dollar, Simplot came in and not only matched the state but probably invested even more.”
The realignment was mutually beneficial as the highway supports Simplot’s long-term operational goals in the Vernal area. By improving access to the Vernal Mine and enhancing transportation safety for heavy equipment and product shipments, the project ensures more reliable and efficient logistics. It also allows Simplot to add years to its mining operations by providing access to phosphate ore deposits that were under the old highway. Holistically, realigning US-191 reflects Simplot’s ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability by delivering real benefits to both the business and the broader community.
“This truly is a win-win-win,” said UDOT Region Three Director Rob Clayton. “It’s a win for the traveling public, who now have a safer and more efficient road; a win for Simplot, which can continue its operations in the area for decades to come; and a win for UDOT, as our partnership allowed us to deliver the project faster and at a lower cost.”
Simplot AgriBusiness President G. Rey Reinhardt echoed this sentiment.
“The realignment of US-191 north of Vernal represents a milestone in infrastructure collaboration between the public sector and a private entity that benefits both community and industry. This effort also aligned with Simplot’s deep and unwavering dedication to safety.”
In support of Reinhardt’s statement, the project earned Simplot’s Vernal Mine two prestigious safety awards from the Utah Mining Association, including the Innovation in Safety Award for its role in the highway realignment and the Outstanding Safety Performance Award for maintaining an exceptional safety record in 2024.
You can learn more about the US-191 Realignment Project by visiting the UDOT website.
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
