A redesign of 200 West between North Temple and 900 South in Salt Lake City has reached key milestones on the way to creating a safer, more efficient and multi-modal corridor for residents, visitors and local businesses.
The project includes 1.5 miles of asphalt re-sealing, 32 new curb ramps for pedestrian safety and walkability, improved bike lanes, 34 new planters with murals by local artists and new pedestrian safety islands.
Mayor Becker visited with business owners in the area recently and the City conducted extensive public outreach leading up to, and continuing through, the construction period. Feedback has been gathered directly from the nearly 60 businesses in the area, at public meetings focused on the project and via numerous door-to-door conversations. Some 96 percent of respondents reported that they were neutral, supportive or very supportive of the improvements.
Changes underway include the installation of one of North America’s first “protected intersections” for walking and bicycling. Located at the intersection of 200 West and 300 South, the new design aims to transform the intersection from a bypass route through downtown into a destination where visitors can easily park, walk or bike to the more than one dozen restaurants, breweries, bars and entertainment venues located within a half-block of the intersection. The protected intersection layout maintains separation between pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles through the intersection, while also supporting the addition of angle parking stalls for businesses along adjacent blocks.
In early August, the street was re-sealed to maintain asphalt quality, followed by installation of a new striping layout. Remaining work includes curb ramp replacement for pedestrian safety and walkability, installation of curb medians to separate parking from bike lanes and completion of the protected intersection next month.
Prior to this project, the street had excess vehicle capacity, handling only 7,000 cars per day or less on a configuration built for 70,000 cars per day or more. This project reallocates the street space to better match current and future travel patterns by city residents and visitors. Over one-third of all downtown trips are now taken on foot or on bicycle.
Salt Lake City and partner organizations are planning a grand opening celebration in mid-October.
