Safety measures for pedestrians coming to the new Homeless Resource Center
Jan 6, 2020, 1:31 PM | Updated: 1:34 pm
SOUTH SALT LAKE — Several auto-pedestrian accidents, including three deaths, have the Utah Department of Transportation adding safety measures along 3300 South near 1000 West.
“Any time there is a serious injury or fatality on Utah’s roads, our engineers study what, if any, safety measure should be put in place,” says John Gleason, spokesman for UDOT.
Gleason says drivers will see electronic speed limit alerts as early as this weekend. He says he’s watched drivers go 50 or 55 mph along a road with a 45-mph speed limit.
The biggest change on 3300 South will be the installation of a pedestrian-activated signal across 1000 West. And added street lighting will help drivers see people at night as they cross the street.
The Utah Transit Authority is also being asked to re-locate their bus stop. Currently, the closest stop to the homeless center is on the north side of 3300 South. The Resource shelter is on the south side of the street, causing many people to walk diagonally across six lanes of the busy road, without a crosswalk.
In a statement, UDOT said its working closely with South Salt Lake to conduct safety-related outreach among vulnerable populations in the area. Below is a list of most of the safety measures which will be put in place over the next three to six months.
- A new pedestrian-activated signal to stop traffic for foot traffic to cross
- Additional lighting at nearby intersections and along the road
- Relocation of the nearby UTA transit stop
- New portable signs to alert drivers of their current speed
- Safety-focused outreach to clients at the homeless resource center
- Ongoing coordination with South Salt Lake law enforcement and public works
