SLC’s Main Street redesign is open to suggestions from disabled Utahns

SALT LAKE CITY – City planners hope to redesign downtown Main Street into a pedestrian promenade and they welcome the voices of disabled Utahns.

While no construction schedule exists yet, a recent report showcased what the finished zone could look like.

However, little is known about the accessibility of the completed promenade. Fortunately, the city wants disabled Utahns to help shape downtown Main Street’s future.

Accessibility for disabled Utahns 

“The federal ADA standards… are designed to consider physical mobility,” said Salt Lake City ADA Coordinator Ahsley Lichtle.”That’s kind of where it stops.”

Federal oversight often ends at widened doorways, accessible parking spots, and ramp entrances.  Often, those accommodations fall short.

Lichtle would rather consider local voices for the promenade.

“When we hear from the public… that is when we can better incorporate sensory spaces or adult changing stations,” Lichtle said. Those accommodations often get overlooked by ADA standards.

Lichtle said there’s praise for including curb-less cross sections and wayfinding signage on the report. However ,the team wants to continue making downtown accessible.

“It’s really vital that folks who need various accommodations… for whatever reason, to reach out to the economic development team.”

People can also email accessibility recommendations to ada@slcgov.com.

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