KSL TRAFFIC

UDOT considers Mountain View Corridor safety after two fatal crashes in one month

Mar 13, 2024, 8:00 AM

Mountain View Corridor sign...

A Mountain View Corridor sign is pictured on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

(Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — Two fatal crashes in West Valley City in a month have some people questioning the safety of the Mountain View Corridor.

Three people died Friday night at the intersection of Mountain View Corridor and 3500 South. Before that, two people died on February 21 at the same intersection. In both cases, initial reports indicate the drivers ran a red light.

“Anytime there’s a serious or fatal crash, we’re going to take a very close look to see if there’s anything we can do from an engineering standpoint to improve safety,” said John Gleason, the public relations director at the Utah Department of Transportation.

“At the same time we need people to follow the rules of the road.”

Because speeds can increase along that stretch, Gleason said UDOT has added more time between phases in recent years. Accordingly, traffic lights pause a little longer before turning green. UDOT has also added more advanced red light warning signals along Mountain View Corridor.

Accident data along the Mountain View Corridor

Utah’s Department of Public Safety Highway Safety Office Communications Manager Jason Mettmann says they looked at data along Mountain View Corridor and found 1,200 crashes over the past five years. At the 3500 South and Mountain View Corridor intersection where the most recent crashes occurred, the Highway Safety Office logged seven fatalities in 15 months.

“Forty percent of the (drivers in) crashes that have occurred since 2019 on Mountain View Corridor have disregarded the traffic signal, which means running the red light,” Mettmann said. “Twenty percent shows the failure to yield the right of way and another ten percent shows failure to keep in the proper lane or running off the road.”

Officials push for good driving behavior on the roads

Mettmann claims the top three contributing factors in these crashes were teen drivers, speed, and distraction.

“To us, that really points to driver behavior,” Mettmann said. “Making sure you’re observing the signs and signals that are out there on the road, giving yourself enough time and distance to make those decisions properly, and making sure you put away your distractions while you’re out there on the road, and focus on the task of driving.”

Gleason agrees that the best way to keep people along that stretch of road safe is by engaging in good driving practices.

“Before that, along the entire stretch of Mountain View Corridor across Salt Lake County there were six [fatal crashes], which is not out of line with what you would see with other major roads in the western part of Salt Lake County,” Gleason said.

“With that being said, one fatality is one too many and we need to do everything that we can from an engineering standpoint to make sure that the road is as safe as it can be. We also need everyone to do their part to make sure that they’re putting away distractions, not driving impaired, wearing their seatbelts, and not driving aggressively–making sure we all get home safely.”

Related reading:

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

KSL Traffic

November is one of the peak times for wildlife-vehicle collisions....

Allessandra Harris Gurr

How to stay safe during the peak time for wildlife-vehicle collisions

November is one of the peak times for wildlife-vehicle collisions. Here are some safety tips.

1 day ago

The design for the new Great Salt Lake license plate includes a pelican flying across the Great Sal...

Adam Small

Great Salt Lake license plates could hit bumpers in the next couple of months

The design for the Great Salt Lake license plates just needs final approval and finishing touches before people start receiving their plates.

1 day ago

Jaywalking in Salt Lake City...

Michelle Lee

Should Utah keep ticketing jaywalkers?

Here's what Sgt. Spencer Cannon with the Utah County Sheriff's Office thinks.

2 days ago

several people walk with reflective bags and while wearing reflective halloween costumes at Gardner...

Michele Rowe

Utah Highway Patrol gives tips on road safety for a safe Halloween

Halloween is here and the Utah Highway Patrol has some advice on making sure both kids and drivers stay safe while out on Oct. 31.

2 days ago

Rollover kills Tooele semitruck driver...

Mary Culbertson, KSL TV

Semitruck driver dead after truck rolled, caught fire on I-80 in Tooele County

The semitruck was traveling east on I-80 near milepost 102 in Tooele just before the driver lost control and crashed.

2 days ago

drivers on big cottonwood canyon...

Adam Small

UDOT begins environmental study for proposed Big Cottonwood Canyon bus service, toll system

If approved, Big Cottonwood Canyon would get a five to 10-minute bus service with stops and a toll system to help improve congestion.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th...

Nightmare on 13th

Here’s why Nightmare on 13th is the best haunted house in Utah

Fall brings Halloween, and Halloween brings Haunted Houses. There’s no better Haunted House than Nightmare on 13th – here’s why!

USA, Utah, Bear Lake. The deep blue of Utah's Bear Lake contrasts with autumn foliage....

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Experience Bear Lake’s all-year activities

We break down Bear Lake's four-season recreational offerings so the whole family can enjoy their time there any time of the year.

Water park with a vintage VW bug in front with a surfboard on top...

Cowabunga Bay

Spend the last days of summer at Cowabunga Bay! 

Cowabunga Bay is one of Utah's premier water parks that features water slides, a lazy river, a kids' cove, and a beach with lounge chairs.

A young woman smiles while reading the menu at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying the panoramic view o...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best restaurants to try in Bear Lake

Save this guide to the best restaurants in Bear Lake when you need to find a place to dine during your next visit.

UDOT considers Mountain View Corridor safety after two fatal crashes in one month