$3 million approved for new pedestrian bridge in Sandy

Editors note: We’ve edited this story to correct the name of Sandy’s deputy mayor, the amount of money that was approved and the location of the bridge. A previous version of this story included a photo of Dimple Dell Regional Park, which does not reflect the location of the bridge. We regret the errors.

SANDY, Utah — A legislative committee has approved $3 million for a pedestrian bridge in Sandy. It’s a bridge that Sandy City Deputy Mayor Kimberly Bell said would provide both convenience and safety. 

The proposed pedestrian bridge would allow people and cyclists to cross the area near Quarry Bend where speeds are up to 50 miles per hour.

Bill sponsor Rep. Robert Spendlove told the House Transportation Committee that the area between 700 East and 9000 South to 1300 East and 9400 South is essentially impossible to cross.

Bell had the same message when she spoke at the committee hearing.

“The speed in that area is typically 40 to 50 miles-per-hour and people are having to walk, depending on which direction they’re going, a half a mile to a mile out of their way,” Bell said.

The bridge would be located on 930 East and 9000 South in Sandy. It’ll be built in the area of 9000 South before the road turns into 9400 South.

Spendlove described it as an expressway. 

Along with providing safety to people who walk in the area, Spendlove said the bridge fits in with the goals of active transportation. 

“Essentially encouraging people to be able to travel around without being in a car,” he explained.

In addition to the safety aspects, the bridge would connect the Sandy Canal trail.

The money would come out of a fund that was established 30 years ago. That money was originally intended to pay for light rail before the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

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