In a recent meeting of the Transportation Coordinating Committee in Wasatch County, Utah, discussions centered around a significant road improvement project aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for cyclists. Currently, the road in question features five lanes but lacks designated bike lanes, a gap that the proposed project seeks to address.

The plan involves widening the roadway on the south side to incorporate bike lanes on both sides. Presently, the road has two 11-foot travel lanes heading west, a 12-foot center lane, and two more 11-foot lanes heading east, but no space for cyclists. The new design proposes a 5-foot buffered bike lane on the north side and a 10-foot bridal lane adjacent to the center lane, ensuring safer passage for cyclists.

However, as the project progressed, the committee identified the need for additional funding due to rising costs in materials and labor. The total estimated cost of the project has surged to $1.5 million, prompting a request for $600,000 from the State Development Program (SDP). The city is also contributing approximately $439,000, covering about 42% of the project costs.

Committee members raised questions about the existing bike paths in the area, noting that while there are bike paths at nearby intersections, this particular section remains without designated lanes. The design includes a buffered bike lane, which will feature a double stripe to enhance safety, rather than a fully protected bike lane.

As the meeting concluded, the committee underscored the importance of this project not only for improving cyclist safety but also for promoting a more bike-friendly community. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for infrastructure that accommodates all modes of transportation, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible future in Wasatch County.