Opinion: Investing in Infrastructure is Investing in Utah’s Future

By Rep. Stephanie Gricius
Guest Opinion, Deseret News
Published March 16, 2026

As Utah continues to experience significant population and economic growth, investing in infrastructure is essential to keeping communities connected, supporting affordability and preparing for the state’s future.

In this guest opinion, Rep. Stephanie Gricius highlights the House Majority Caucus’ infrastructure-first approach during the 2026 Legislative Session and the importance of ensuring Utah’s roads, highways and other infrastructure can keep pace with rapid growth.

Gricius points to the strain growth has placed on roads such as Pioneer Crossing, which now carries nearly twice the traffic it was originally designed to handle. She also explains how infrastructure investments can support housing affordability by allowing families to live in areas where housing is more attainable without sacrificing hours of their day to traffic.

The article highlights $2.1 billion in recent legislative investments to improve mobility in southwest Salt Lake County and northwest Utah County, including completing the 2100 North freeway, extending Mountain View Corridor into Utah County, upgrading Pioneer Crossing and completing portions of the Cory B. Wride Memorial Highway.

“When we invest in infrastructure, we are investing in people, prosperity and Utah’s long-term future.”

Gricius emphasizes that thoughtful infrastructure planning requires collaboration between state leaders, local governments and community members to identify and prioritize the projects that will make the greatest difference for Utah families.

Read the full opinion at Deseret News:
Opinion: Investing in infrastructure is investing in Utah’s future

Originally published by Deseret News on March 16, 2026. Written by Rep. Stephanie Gricius, who represents Utah House District 50.