Utah Transportation Commission
February 7, 1997
Salt Lake City, Utah

The regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission, held at 4501 South 2700 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, was called to order at 9:10 a.m. by Commission Chairman Glen E. Brown. He welcomed those in attendance. Commissioner Todd Weston was excused from the meeting.

Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Larkin moved to approve the minutes of the January 10, 1997 Commission Meeting held in Logan, Utah, it was seconded by Commissioner Clyde and passed unanimously.

Public Comments
West Valley City
Overpass over Bangerter Highway
Chairman Brown invited Mayor Gerald Wright of West Valley City (WVC) to address the Commission. Mayor Wright spoke about the serious problem facing the city at Bangerter Highway and 3100 South, and said they are doing all they can to help find a solution. The Mayor then turned the time over to John Patterson, West Valley city manager.

Mr. Patterson displayed some charts showing a "recipe for death and disaster" along the Bangerter Highway through West Valley City. He pointed out the number of pedestrians that cross Bangerter Highway on a daily basis, traffic and accident counts along the highway, and other statistics, and stated there is potential for a lot of difficulty, given the median speeds. He said 3100 South is the first real intersection encountered coming from 2100 South. Vehicles are traveling at 60 to 65 MPH, even though the posted speed limit is 50 MPH. Mr. Patterson said that at 3100 South, where Chad Riding was killed, there have been a number of accidents. Also, pedestrians have to cross a nine lane highway in a short amount of time.

Mr. Patterson continued, saying that West Valley City is doing their part, putting up $100,000 to help build the $500,000 overpass. They are raising funds with the cooperation of the CHAD group, the Utah Grizzlies professional hockey team will help raise money at one of their hockey games, and they have been talking to businesses. He expressed hope that WVC will be able to come to UDOT with half the money to help build the overpass.

Commissioner Lewis asked about other intersections other than 3100 South. Mr. Patterson responded that other intersections are also disastrous, and Senator Millie Peterson from West Valley City, has submitted a Senate Bill for an overpass at 3100 South, 3500 South, 4100 South, 4700 South, and 5400 South. He mentioned that there are three overpasses south of West Valley City that have already been built. Commissioner Clyde asked about the speeds on Bangerter Highway and regulatory authority. There was further discussion on that issue.

Mary Jane Emrazian, representing the CHAD group, spoke to the Commission. She said the issue of the overpass has been a concern to the community for seven years, even when Bangerter Highway was being proposed. She said meetings were held then to find ways to protect the community from what they expected to be a large traffic flow. Ms. Emrazian mentioned several things happening in the community that are increasing hazards of the intersection at 3100 South, such as new homes being built, construction on a large senior citizen housing unit, construction of the Utah Grizzlies center and Hale Theater, and the projected widening of 3100 South. She noted that these and several other things will increase the business and traffic load coming into their neighborhood.

Ms. Emrazian restated some statistics cited earlier, and provided some additional statistics on the number of school students crossing Bangerter Highway. She said that even though the posted speed limit is 50 MPH, traffic travels at a much higher rate of speed. And, prior to the legislature taking away their photo cop, there were 4 fatalities on Bangerter Highway, but in the nine months since then, there have been eleven fatalities. She said affecting 3100 South specifically are the right and left turn lanes where vehicles do not yield to pedestrians trying to cross, and yellow and red lights being run on left turns. Also, corners that have sound wall barriers make it difficult for pedestrians to see traffic. Cars turn without noticing pedestrians. Ms. Emrazian commented that when Chad Riding died, she contacted Byron Parker, who sent her the overpass procedures that needed to be followed. She said, as a committee they have documented each point. They also have a couple of letters, which were handed out to the Commission.

Ms. Emrazian repeated that they feel they have proven the urgency and need, and have done many things to let the Commission know how serious their intent is. She referred to the $100,000 that has been allocated from West Valley City, and that they will approach the County for funding. She also mentioned Senator Peterson's bill that asks for priority funding. In addition, perhaps reallocating funding for noise walls would be appropriate. She said that noise walls, as important as they are, have not saved a life. They have approached Granite School District and discussed funding with them. She said they did pass a formal resolution supporting the skywalk proposal. And, West Valley City has established a private fund for donations. They have already received a $5,000 in-kind donation from Jack Parsons Co. in Ogden. Any ideas that the Commission may share that would help to create public safety for their community would be accepted.

Commissioner Brown asked if there was anyone else that wanted to make comments to the Commission. Terry West, representing the Eyes of the West Neighborhood Assoc., spoke about Bangerter Highway being built on the fast track, and expressed his concerns about safety and having kids cross the highway for activities other than school. He also stated that the CHAD group and his association won't be going away. He thanked the Commission for letting the community express their views to them.

Sally Buttars introduced Mimi Crawford, who spoke to the Commission on behalf of the handicapped. Ms. Crawford asked how do they expect the handicapped to cross Bangerter Highway and 3100 South when there are only 31 seconds given to cross the street. She said it's very important that the handicapped to learn how to cross the street and have the opportunity to do so.

Joshua Brown, junior class president at Granger High School, said that when you lose a student at Granger High School, you lose part of yourself. It's important to get the overpass built.

Sarah Meyer, member of Granite School Board, re-emphasized their support for this project. Her children have the benefit of using the skywalk at 6200 South. She said that something should have been done earlier at 3100 South.

Wendy Heinbigner addressed the commission and expressed her concerns. She said people don't slow down, and there needs to be a safe place to cross the highway.

Laura Drew, region director of Granite District PTA also expressed her concerns for children crossing the highway. She also thanked the Commission for their efforts, and for listening to the citizens.

Shirley Alfred commented that when the skywalk is put in, it is guaranteed that pedestrians have a safe passage over the highway, no matter what the situation is. She would like to see the overpass built as soon as possible.

Commissioner Griffith applauded everyone's efforts. She said the proactiveness of the group has been heartening. She then expressed concern with the statistics regarding pedestrian accidents and vehicular accidents, and reviewed some different statistics. She wondered if there was a way to slow vehicles down, such as posting additional signs. Mr. Patterson referred to Senator Peterson's bill, which calls for not only overpasses, but signalization prior to the light changing, flashers warning vehicles they are coming into an urban area. He also spoke about the earlier question posed by Commissioner Clyde on regulatory authority, and said that UDOT is the only body that has regulatory authority, UDOT sets the speed limits, defines where overpasses and lights can go, and where signs can go. West Valley City and UHP can enforce the speed, etc. Commissioner Griffith mentioned educating drivers to slow down and pay attention. Ms. Emrazian responded to the statistics given earlier by Commissioner Griffith. She questioned where the numbers came from. Discussion focused on the statistics.

Chairman Brown commented about turning the focus of the meeting to the potential solution to the problem. He discussed some of the comments made earlier. He referred back to comments made about noise walls and the issues that surround them. He pointed out that the noise wall projects have been mandated by the legislature, and the Commission does not have the discretion to use those funds for pedestrian projects. He said that noise walls have historically not been part of UDOT's construction activity as a State. He also explained that noise walls are very costly, yet if you're living with that problem and it's interfering with your life, you feel very strongly about noise walls.

Clint Topham spoke about the concerns the Department has about safety on the highways. He said UDOT continually monitors traffic accidents, including fatalities. Safety is built into every project. Since the accident involving Chad Riding, UDOT has gone back and revisited the safety of the intersection. What is important is the funding and whether or not funding is available. Mr. Topham further explained what UDOT has done, and what funding programs have been looked at to help with the solution, specifically the hazard elimination program and the State construction program. UDOT has also looked at the enhancement program, under which WVC made an application for the skywalk at 3100 South a year ago and was not prioritized. He said all of that money has been programmed, but there are a couple of alternatives within that program, one that might be considered by the Commission and West Valley City. Mr. Topham stated that WVC has two projects in the enhancement program, and the Commission has the authority to change the priorities on those projects.

Chairman Brown explained that the enhancement fund is federal money given to UDOT through the Federal highway program that's earmarked. By federal law, UDOT is restricted to what the money can be spent on. Commissioner Eastman expressed concern with "patching up" these kind of situations with federal money. He said the issue is the responsibility of the individual. Someone is irresponsible in every accident of this type, whether it was the driver or the pedestrian. The education process of drivers to control speed, etc., is something that can be done right now.

Commissioner Lewis commented on the blind corners, and noted that he would like to see as many problems as possible solved with the design of the overpass. The real issue though, is funding. Commissioner Larkin said he recognizes the problem, as he uses Bangerter Highway to travel from the airport to Commission meetings, and the Commission will do their best to find a solution to the problem. Commissioner Clyde made remarks regarding school location issues, and schools being sighted in unfortunate places, or places not conducive to good transportation. He asked that Granite School Board work with UDOT in the sighting of schools. Commissioner Griffith mentioned that she walked three of the intersections where overpasses are being requested. Her concern is funding too. She said there needs to be more partnering for the overpasses, everyone needs to work together.

Chairman Brown shifted the focus of the discussion to funding. He said the issue is whether UDOT can meet the legal requirements of the funding source and addressing this issue in relationship to the enhancement projects WVC is promoting. John Patterson responded that the enhancement projects are very critical. The Decker Lake project has approximately $250,000 remaining of the $358,000 that was awarded. Although they haven't talked to the Council, they as a staff have talked about the possibility of moving $250,000 from the Decker Lake project to help fund the overpass. They would be willing to recommend it if it's within the power of the Commission to transfer those funds. Mr. Patterson then explained the Decker Lake project. There was also additional discussion on the funding, and the sponsor of the overpass project.

Commissioner Lewis moved to direct staff to explore all legal and other ramifications necessary to expedite the transfer of $250,000 from the Decker Lake project, to be matched with the funding West Valley City feels they can provide, and that the Commission be prepared, if possible, to consider transferreing the enhancement funds at the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Larkin seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

A short break was called.

Planning and Programming
Request to Advance Funding for 4100 South Project in WVC
Doug Hattery, WFRC, explained the item to the Commission. He said that on their Surface Transportation Program, they had a project to widen 4100 South from 4000 West to 5600 West. Funding was programmed for right of way acquisition last fall, which WVC has proceeded to acquire. Money was programmed for FY 97 and FY 98 with the idea that it would be a two phase project, the first phase being from 4000 West to 4800 West, the second phase beging from 4800 West to 5600 West. West Valley has the project ready to go. Mr. Hattery also talked about ISTEA and what it allows them to do.

Commissioner Clyde asked if a pedestrian overpass was included on 4100 South. He stated that traffic flow will increase with the widening of 4100 South to 5600 West, so why not make an overpass inclusive. Russ Willardson, West Valley City Public Works, responded that they had not thought about it. The project is ready to go to bid. He hates to delay the advertisement of the project, but they will look at it and talk with the Region and see what can be done. Commissioner Lewis said sometimes the big picture says slow down a little, and save a lot later.

Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the request to approve advanced funding on the 4100 South project in West Valley City. Commissioner Eastman seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Planning and Programming
Heber Valley Airport Improvement Program
Bob Barrett explained the Heber Valley Airport Improvement Program. He said it is land acquisition for future apron expansion, installing wildlife fencing, and updating the airport layout plan. This project was in the CIP, both at the Federal level and the State level, but for a slightly lower sum of money. The federal government is approving it at what was in the CIP. If Heber City finds that they can't do the project for that amount, then they have to come back and ask again for more money and get it approved through the normal process. Mr. Barrett said they are going to request recommended approval at the amount that was originally programmed. The Federal contribution to the project will be $491,000, the applicant will contribute $24,459, and the State will contribute $24,459, for a project total of $539,918.

Commissioner Clyde moved to approve the request as explained, Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Planning and Programming
Logan-Cache Airport Improvement Program
Bob Barrett explained the Logan - Cache Airport project, which will update the airport layout plan, rehabilitate a portion of the apron, complete an environmental assessment for a runway extension of the primary runway, and for land acquisition for a portion of the runway extension. The total amount is $300,000, of which $272,820 will be Federal grant, and $13,590 each from the State and the local sponsor.

Commissioner Larkin moved to approve the request as explained. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Planning and Programming
Ogden - Hinckley Airport Improvement Program
Bob Barrett explained the Ogden - Hinckley Airport Improvement Program. The project is for taxi rehabilitation for taxiways A, B, C & D at the Ogden Airport. And, because the runway capability has been previously upgraded to handle heavier aircraft, this will bring these taxiways up to strength level to handle the same aircraft. The request was for more than had been programmed. The programmed amounts, which the Federal and State entities are recommending approval at the programmed level. The Federal government funding is $782,539, the applicant and State funding each is $38,981, with the total being $860,500.

Commissioner Larkin asked if they just go as far as they can go with that amount of money, or do they make the project fit. Mr. Barrett responded that they have a couple of choices. One is to make the project fit. And, he said, in the process at this point there are no bids in. Both the programming initially and the applications are based on engineering estimates. They revised their estimates between the time they gave us the original input during the programming process, and when they submitted the application. When the bids come in, then the grant is actually finalized at that amount. And if it's more, then they have to come back and ask for more money.

Commissioner Larkin moved to approve the application of request as funded. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Rest Area/Welcome Center
Clint Topham asked Jim McMinimee, Region Two Director, to discuss the rest area/welcome center at the Grassy Mountain Area on I-15 West of Salt Lake City. Mr. Topham explained that UDOT has been working in conjunction with the Travel Council, who normally would man and operate a welcome center. The Travel Council has recently come forward and said they can't make the commitment to man a welcome center. Mr. Topham further explained that Mr. McMinimee is at a place in the design where he needs to know whether to continue the welcome center design, or to change it to a rest area.

Commissioner Larkin asked if the project could be designed with a first phase and a second phase, to build a rest area with the possibility of putting in a welcome center later. Mr. McMinimee said they are still at a point where that could be done, and that is an option. He said that currently there is only a view area at Grassy Mountain. There was further discussion regarding concerns, the Travel Council, and funding. Discussion also focused on privatization of the welcome centers.

Chairman Brown suggested that UDOT could fund the portion to build the rest area, and if the legislature or the Travel Council doesn't come forward with the other money for the welcome center portion, the welcome center doesn't get built. Mr. McMinimee responded that it has already been programmed for a welcome center in 1998. That's why they are up against a schedule for designing the structure. He said the problem is that the Travel Council said at one time they had the money to operate and maintain the facility, but now they do not have the money available to do so. Chairman Brown asked if the Department should move ahead, with the design as originally planned. Commissioner Lewis responded that he thinks it would be irresponsible to move ahead, not knowing where the legislature and the funding is, and not having a direction from the legislature. Chairman Brown said that there are two committees that they ought to go before with this issue and see what they recommend. Department staff/Region 2 was directed to work with the legislature on this issue, and refrain from design until further notice.

Centennial Highway Endowment Fund
Chairman Brown reviewed the issue with the Commission and gave some background information on the status of the legislative process and what is ahead. He said that when the meetings with the legislators were completed, a list was put together and a master list was compiled. Added to that list were the projects brought forth by the individual legislators as a result of those meetings.

Chairman Brown said that he, Clint Topham and Tom Warne were asked to attend the leadership meeting this past week, and to bring the master list with no reference to priorities. He said they attended the Caucus yesterday and explained the master list to the legislators, and remarked that a motion was passed by the leadership supporting the Commission's role in developing the next list. Chairman Brown said they were asked to return next Thursday with that, having the Commission judge all projects equally with no prioritizing of projects by number.

Chairman Brown said there will have to be a Commission meeting scheduled to take any action, and that the Commission will meet on Wednesday, February 12th. Chairman Brown stated that the Governor indicated a need to have the list balanced, with rural areas having projects too. He said staff will need to make recommendations to the Commission.

Next Commission Meetings
Commissioner Larkin reported that the Commission meeting in St. George next month will include a tour Thursday afternoon. Details of the tour are being worked out at this time.

The next Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, February 12, 1997 in Salt Lake City. The following dates and locations are scheduled as follows:

• March 7, 1997 - St. George, Utah

The meeting adjourned at 12:06 p.m.

The following Commissioners, staff members, and others were in attendance:

Glen E. Brown, Chairman
James G. Larkin, Commissioner
Ted D. Lewis, Commissioner
Hal M. Clyde, Commissioner
Dan R. Eastman, Commissioner
Sheri L. Griffith, Commissioner
LeAnn Abegglen, Commission Secretary
Thomas R. Warne, Executive Director
Clinton D. Topham, Deputy Director
Kim Schvaneveldt, Project Development Engineer
Robert P. Barrett, Director of Aeronautics
Les Jester, UDOT
Bob Hulick, UDOT
Sterling Davis, UDOT
Zeke Gonzalez, UDOT
Jim McMinimee, Region Two Director
Michael G. Ritchie, FHWA
Kevin Riley, FHWA
Doug Hattery, WFRC
Ken Warnick, Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Gerald Wright, West Valley City
John Patterson, West Valley City Manager
Richard E. Thomas, CHAD
Bonnie Ashworth, CHAD
Colleen Imlay, CHAD
Betty R. Chellson, CHAD
Abigail Hansen, CHAD
Davey Orgill, CHAD
Terri Draper, CHAD
Josh Whitmer, CHAD
Jason Bailey, CHAD
Mary Jane Emrazian, CHAD
Katie Atkinson, Granger H.S.(GHS)/CHAD
Heidi May, GHS/CHAD
JaAnna Nelson, CHAD
Kristi Nielson, GHS/CHAD
Jessica Joseph, GHS/CHAD
Mindy West, GHS/CHAD
Dennis Warr, CHAD
Terry Wirth, Eyes of the West Neighborhood Assoc.
Donna Bowen
Vickie Warr, West Valley City (WVC)/CHAD
Scott Warr, WVC/CHAD
Peggy Bingham, WVC/CHAD
Marc Bingham WVC/CHAD
Paula Prince, WVC/CHAD
Rand Prince, WVC/CHAD
Roy Christensen, WVC/CHAD
Terri Wright, WVC/CHAD
Jana Brady, WVC/CHAD
John S. Warr, WVC/CHAD
Erin Christensen, GHS/WVC/CHAD
Mimi Crawford, WVC
Necia Christensen, WVC/CHAD/GHS PTSA
Russell Willardson, WVC
Lezlie Sanders, WVC
Gordon Sanders, WVC
Jamie Berman, WVC
C.T. Nguyen, WVC-Public Information
Craig Wright, CHAD
Stefani Bigelow, GHS/CHAD
Mindy Anderson, GHS
Dawn Bingham, GHS
Chad Bawden, GHS
Adam Loser, GHS
Brian Williams, GHS
Becky Ferrin, GHS
Courtney Jones, GHS
Debra Sabodski, GHS
Susan Silva, Granite Region PTA
Laura Driver, Granite Region PTA Director
Mona Thorup, CHAD/Hillsdale PTA
Sally Marshall, CHAD
Scott Marshall, CHAD
Sarah Meier, Granite School Board
Roxann Gomez, Site Base Monroe Elementary
Deanna Hurst, Laser Chem International
Dianna Holland, WVC/CHAD
Aimee Martin, WVC
Josh Johnson, WVC
Karen Duncan, WVC
Jaymie Farrell, WVC
Sara Evans, WVC
Wendy Heinbigner, WVC
Sally Buttars, WVC