Salt Lake City is currently soliciting feedback on a proposed roadway redesign of 2100 South between 1700 East and 2300 East. This section of road will be undergoing scheduled pavement maintenance, including resurfacing, in mid-July.
The design proposal recommended by the Salt Lake City Transportation Division would reduce traffic to one lane in each direction with a continuous center turn lane. Bike lanes may optionally be added on either side.
The proposed redesign is intended to enhance safety for all roadway users, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Based on studies across the country, a redesign from four lanes of traffic to three lanes typically results in about 29% fewer crashes. This has been mirrored in Salt Lake City, where changes on a residential part of California Avenue (700 West to Redwood) and 1300 South (700 E to State St) resulted in 24% and 29% reduction in crashes, respectively. The percentage of injuries went down as well, with 29% reduction on California and 27% on 1300 South.
“These proposed changes are all about safety,” said Mike Reberg, Director of the Department of Community and Neighborhoods. “Based on discussions we’ve had with the public already, many features of the project, including slowing traffic on the corridor, have community support.”
A number of planning processes have taken place in the area, including the 21st and 21st Small Area Plan, East Bench Master Plan, and Sugar House Master Plan. This is the first opportunity for the public to comment directly on the proposed changes on 2100 South.
“The 2100 South corridor is a critical roadway and business district for the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Mayor Jackie Biskupski. “We want clear community support before any changes are made.”
Residents may submit comments by visiting https://www.slc.gov/feedback/
Information on area planning processes:
21st and 21st Small Area Plan (draft): http://www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Projects/Current Initiatives/21d.pdf
East Bench Master Plan: http://www.slcdocs.com/Planning/MasterPlansMaps/EBMP.pdf
Sugar House Master Plan: http://www.slcdocs.com/Planning/MasterPlansMaps/SHMP.pdf
Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan: http://www.slcgov.com/transportation/pedestrian-bicycle-master-plan