Riverton community voices traffic concerns over proposed storage unit development

The Riverton Planning Commission meeting held on April 24, 2025, focused primarily on traffic concerns related to a proposed storage facility development. Residents expressed significant apprehension regarding the potential impact on local traffic patterns, particularly given the ongoing construction in the area.

The meeting began with public comments from several residents, including one individual who raised concerns about the traffic congestion already experienced on local roads. They described the current situation as "nuts," particularly during peak hours, and emphasized the need for the city to assess whether it can accommodate additional traffic from the proposed development. The speaker highlighted the challenges of maneuvering large vehicles, such as RVs and boats, into the new storage facility, suggesting that a turning lane or stoplight may be necessary to ensure safety.

Another resident, Bob Coomer, reported that his security cameras recorded between 1,200 to 1,500 cars passing his home daily, raising alarms about the safety of children in the neighborhood. He noted that a larger storage unit currently under construction nearby was not adequately considered in traffic studies related to the new proposal.

Additional comments echoed these concerns, with residents questioning the adequacy of existing road infrastructure to handle increased traffic. They pointed out that the area has become a thoroughfare for commuters, exacerbating the situation. One resident, Andrea Soper, highlighted the difficulty of exiting her neighborhood due to heavy traffic, while another, Kim, shared her frustrations about the time it takes to navigate local roads.

In response to these concerns, city officials acknowledged the traffic issues and noted that a traffic study indicated the proposed storage facility would not generate more trips than anticipated if residential homes were built in the same location. They also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) regarding future road improvements, including plans to widen key roads to accommodate growing traffic demands.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from city officials to continue addressing traffic management as part of the broader transportation master plan, recognizing the challenges posed by rapid growth in neighboring areas. The commission plans to further evaluate the implications of the proposed development on local traffic and safety as discussions progress.