Between the railroad tracks and I-15, it’s easy for Westside residents to feel cut off from the rest of the city. Now, Salt Lake City is launching a new study to improve transportation between the west and east. Photo courtesy of Salt Lake City Transportation.
For those of us who live on the Westside, we’re incredibly familiar with the challenges we face when trying to head east – to Downtown, the University of Utah, hospitals and other health care, shopping on 300 W, and more. Between I-15 and the railroad tracks, it can often feel like we’re cut off from the rest of the city we call home.
Now, Salt Lake City is launching a new study to analyze the problem and come up with solutions to help bridge the West-East divide. These solutions will include various kinds of transportation methods, including automobiles, public transit, biking, walking, and more. The study is being funded by the US Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.
As part of this study, the city needs community member input. They are inviting Westside residents to apply to be on a Community Advisory Board (CAB). The city says this board will be essential to the project and the future of transportation from west to east. “CAB members will help the study team identify problem areas, prioritize needs, and create multimodal transportation recommendations and other solutions.”
Salt Lake City hopes to solve some of the transportation issues between the west and east sides of the city. Their study will focus on the areas around I-15 and the railroad tracks. Graphic courtesy of Salt Lake City Transportation.
The city is looking for residents who fit this criteria:
Must be someone who is impacted by the west-east divide
Must be someone who is interested in solving transportation issues
Should be someone connected to the community and have community service experience
Should be excited about diversity and able to connect with people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives
Members selected to sit on the Community Advisory Board will:
Receive compensation of up to $35 per hour
Participate in up to 14 two-hour CAB meetings spread over the next two years
Attend meetings, comment on study information, and discuss the study with neighbors
Share community feedback and experiences
Help identify critical connections, barriers, and impediments between the west and east sides of Salt Lake City
Those interested in helping with the study through the CAB must apply by Wednesday, March 19th at 5 pm. The city will notify residents who are selected by April 4th. Selection will be based on skills and experience.
