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Project Background
The population and traffic in south Layton have shown rapid growth over the last few years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the census tract population of this area increased by 62 percent between 1990 and 2000. This growth is continuing, and traffic demand continues to increase on the local street system. The Union Pacific Railroad is a barrier to emergency vehicles and all other traffic because all street crossing are at grade.

Environmental Assessment
The transportation needs in this area of Layton have been analyzed for the past several years. An Environmental Assessment was prepared, which included the purpose and need, alternatives, environmental analysis, and identified a preferred alternative. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the purpose of an Environmental Assessment is to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement should be prepared. Following the circulation of the Environmental Assessment, and a Public Hearing, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) determined there was adequate justification to require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Environmental Impact Statement
Preparation of the EIS began in 2006. At the outset, the study developed a Purpose and Need assessment for potential transportation improvements. 

Project Purpose and Need

The “Purpose” defines the transportation problem to be solved and outlines goals and objectives that should be included as part of a successful solution to the problem.

  • Address current and projected traffic demand and operations for the Layton Interchange (I-15 Exit 330) 
  • Provide an unrestricted access across the Union Pacific Railroad to the developing areas of west Layton 
  • Provide adequate transportation facilities and traffic capacity west of I-15 to relieve existing and projected traffic congestion.
The “Need” provides data to support the problem statement (Purpose).
  • Residential development has been expanding and is expected to continue west of the UPRR in Layton City, Kaysville and Syracuse.
  • The current configuration of the Layton Interchange does not safely meet the current and future traffic demands and presents safety issues due to traffic conflicts and deficiencies. 
  • The at-grade railroad crossing presents a safety hazard and may prevent timely response by emergency vehicles.
  • The at-grade railroad crossing and lack of sidewalks in some areas present a pedestrian safety concern, especially for children walking to and from Layton Elementary School on Gentile Street.
Alternatives Screening
During the EIS, numerous opportunities for public involvement were provided in the development of a project purpose and need, alternatives development and screening, identification of potential impacts to the natural and built environment, and selection of a preferred alternative. Four public open houses were held and the EIS project team consulted with a Community Sounding Board (CSB) committee. The CSB was composed of a cross-section of the community and provided input throughout the process.

FHWA, UDOT and Layton City, in conjunction with the public, developed nine alternatives which were screened down to a Preferred Alternative, which addresses the project purpose and need.

Record of Decision
The EIS was completed in fall 2008 and the Federal Highway Administration issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Layton Interchange project on December 24, 2008, approving construction of the Preferred Alternative from the EIS as the Selected Alternative for this project. 

A copy of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) can be accessed by clicking the FEIS link on the Quick Links tab on the left-hand side of this page. Use the username "laytoninterchange" to access the documents. A password is not required.

The Selected Alternative meets the project’s Purpose and Need by addressing current and projected traffic demand and operations for the Layton Interchange (I-15 Exit 330), providing an unrestricted access across the Union Pacific Railroad to the developing area of west Layton, and providing adequate transportation facilities and traffic capacity west of I-15 to relieve existing and projected traffic congestion. The project is part of a fiscally constrained long range transportation plan (the WFRC 2007 Urban Area Regional Transportation Plan).

This Record of Decision is issued under the requirements of Chapter 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1502.2 and Chapter 23 CFR 771.127. The information in this Record of Decision is based on information presented in the Layton Interchange Final EIS prepared by FHWA and by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and released for public review from October 10, 2008 to November 10, 2008.

A Statute of Limitations Notice on Claims for Judicial Review of Actions by FHWA and Other Federal Agencies for the approval of this project was issued and published in the Federal Register on January 14, 2009.