Spanish Fork hosts workshop on Main Street safety and congestion improvements

On April 15, 2025, the Spanish Fork City Council convened to address pressing safety and congestion issues along Main Street, a vital thoroughfare in the community. The meeting highlighted the alarming statistic that five of the top ten most dangerous intersections in Spanish Fork are located on Main Street, with a reported 362 crashes over the past five years. This data underscores the urgent need for improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow.

The council discussed a comprehensive concept design aimed at addressing these challenges while also making Main Street more inviting and supportive of local businesses. Community feedback from a recent workshop with approximately 40 business owners revealed strong opinions on the proposed designs. Key concerns included the lack of crosswalks in certain areas, particularly from Eighth North to Fourth North, which currently lacks safe pedestrian crossings. Business owners emphasized that enhancing walkability is essential for downtown revitalization.

Parking accessibility emerged as another critical issue, especially in the middle section of Main Street, where business owners expressed the need for both on-street and additional off-street parking options. The discussions also touched on the types of accidents occurring on Main Street, with differing views on whether they are primarily speed-related or due to distracted driving. The council committed to further analyzing crash data to ensure that the proposed safety interventions align with the specific types of accidents occurring.

During a public open house later that evening, community members reiterated concerns about parking and the need for designated turn signals at intersections. There was a notable preference for median installations, although some residents voiced apprehension about their impact on traffic flow and access. Additionally, the public expressed a desire for ongoing maintenance of any landscaping improvements made as part of the project, emphasizing the importance of responsible use of public funds.

As the council moves forward, they plan to engage with the community and business owners to refine the design based on feedback and data analysis. The anticipated construction, funded for 2028, will require careful planning to minimize disruptions for local businesses. The discussions from this meeting reflect a community deeply invested in improving safety and accessibility on Main Street, highlighting the balance between development and the needs of residents and business owners alike.