Overview
The project team is studying Highland Drive from Driggs Avenue to the City limit (approximately 3000 South) to determine if there are opportunities to 1) further enhance the biking experience and 2) improve safety and efficiency for people driving. In the coming months, the project team will communicate with residents and the Community Council about our findings as well as ways for the public to comment on potential striping changes. Residents and the Community Council will be told in advance about any planned changes to striping.
Background
This area has been identified as a priority corridor in the Local Link regional study. Based on a detailed review of the area, bike lanes were recommended for Highland Drive to improve access between Sugar House and Millcreekâs new downtown development. The design effort by the City will focus on incorporating bike lanes on Highland Drive. In addition, the project team will be closely coordinating with Millcreek as they are planning to restripe their section of Highland Drive (north of 3300 South) from a four-lane roadway to one lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and shoulder areas for people riding bikes. Salt Lake City will be working with Millcreek to find ways to create the best roadway between the two cities for people walking, riding bikes and driving.
Draft Concept Design
The project team studied Highland Drive from Driggs Avenue to the City limit (approximately 3000 South) to look for opportunities that make biking safer and more accessible while improving safety and efficiency for drivers. Both priorities will be accomplished on this section of Highland by restriping the road during an upcoming pavement maintenance project.
The maintenance work consists of a chip seal to preserve the life of the road and will take place in May. Once complete, the road will be striped to include a bike lane on each side of the road. To make room for the new bike lanes, on-street parking will be shifted solely to the east side of the road, except for the area in front of the retail shops on the south end of the project.
Before finalizing the design, the project team presented the plan to the Sugar House Community Council for input. To keep the community in the loop on the project, the team will send a project newsletter, deliver door hangers, and present at future community council meetings. For questions or concerns, or to subscribe to updates please contact the project team at 385-341-2898 and SaltLakeCityComms@gmail.com.
The draft design includes the addition of northbound and southbound bike lanes. On the southern end of the project area (at the Salt Lake City limit) the bike lanes will connect with the resurfacing project being completed by Millcreek, which is planned to occur this summer. Coordination with Millcreek has been occurring on both the design and timing of projects so that people can seamlessly travel between the cities.
Parking changes with draft design: on-street parking on Highland Drive between Driggs Avenue and Malvern Avenue would be removed from the west side of the road. On-street parking on the east side of the road will remain as-is.
For reference, the illustration below shows the existing lane layout with wide, striped shoulders.
The major intersections in the study area are also planned to receive striping changes. Below is an illustration of the draft design for the Highland Drive/2700 South intersection. The draft design continues the bike lanes through the intersection and maintains all existing vehicle turning movements.
Below is an illustration of the draft design for the Highland Drive/1300 East intersection. The draft design continues the bike lanes through the intersection and maintains all existing vehicle turning movements. Northbound and southbound left-turn lanes have been added to allow motorists to wait for a gap in on-coming traffic without remaining in the through lanes. The green dashed bike lane just south of the intersection is intended to increase visibility of the bike lane in the area of the “free” right-turn lane and is planned to be added as part of a separate project.
Project Update
We are off to a great start putting in bike lanes on Highland Drive! Bike lanes are now open between I-80 to 3000 South. New signage and finishing touches will be added in the coming weeks. Over the summer, lanes will be extended north from I-80 to 2100 South and south from 3000 South to 3300 South in Millcreek. We are excited about safer, accessible and more welcoming cycling options from downtown Sugar House to downtown Millcreek.
Contact Us
Email | transportation@slcgov.com
Social Media | @SLCmoves @SLCgov