Lehi testing ways to slow traffic down around pedestrians

SALT LAKE CITY — The city of Lehi is testing different methods to slow traffic as the 100 deadliest days approach.

Lehi traffic engineer Luke Seegmiller said the city is setting up white reflective poles that mimic an extended curb. These make drivers want to slow down.

“It’s a little uncomfortable going fast; it makes you want to slow down,” he said. “It also puts the location where the pedestrian is waiting to cross in a place more visible to motorists.”

The city will also have devices to count vehicles and measure their speed.

Learning more about pedestrian behavior

As part of the test, the city will set up a camera so they can see how long it takes each pedestrian to cross, how many cars pass them while waiting and if more people choose to walk instead of drive.

“Do more people choose to cross and walk to the park instead of driving to the park because they perceive it as a safe enough way to go to the park,” Seegmiller said.

The city will be setting these poles up around schools, parks and trail crossings. Streets will be tested one at a time, and testing will continue into the fall. 

Seegmiller said Lehi was inspired by Park City, which has conducted similar tests.

Related: Eagle Mountain to replace city center roundabout with 4-way traffic lights