During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing traffic congestion issues in Big Cottonwood Canyon, particularly focusing on the impact of proposed changes to turn lanes. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of adding two left turn lanes for southbound traffic, with some council members questioning how this would alleviate the existing bottleneck created by increased vehicle volume.
The discussion highlighted the canyon's geographical constraints, which complicate traffic flow improvements. Officials acknowledged that while expanding the turn lanes might help, the overall traffic model is still being developed to assess the best solutions. The need for enhanced public transportation options was also emphasized, with suggestions for future bus lanes that could help reduce the number of cars on the road.
Additionally, safety concerns for cyclists were a significant topic. Council members expressed urgency in addressing a problematic bike lane design that poses risks to cyclists, urging UDOT leadership to prioritize immediate changes to prevent accidents. The meeting concluded with a commitment from UDOT representatives to investigate and address these pressing issues, including the redesign of the bike lane to enhance safety for cyclists.