Roy residents voice safety concerns over Rail Runner development traffic impacts

The Roy City Council convened on May 6, 2025, to address pressing community concerns regarding the ongoing Rail Runner development and its implications for local traffic and safety. Residents from the Westpark neighborhood voiced their apprehensions about the anticipated increase in traffic and the adequacy of access points to the new apartments.

Blaine Esplan, a resident of Westpark Drive, initiated the discussion by highlighting the neighborhood's concerns about traffic volume and speed as the Rail Runner apartments prepare to open in June. He mentioned conducting a survey that garnered responses from approximately 60% of local households, indicating a strong expectation for the city to implement traffic mitigation measures. Esplan emphasized the need for the north entrance to the development to be paved and accessible before any residents move in, citing safety and traffic flow as critical issues.

Bob Nightingale echoed these sentiments, stressing the dangers posed by a single access road for emergency services and the increased traffic risks for pedestrians, particularly children. He urged the council to reconsider the development's planning, advocating for additional access points to enhance safety and traffic management.

Bridal McMillan expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the development's details, claiming that residents had been misled about access points. She raised concerns about the potential isolation of the neighborhood due to train blockages and the inadequacy of current planning measures.

Richard Dunlap and Kimberly Flannery also contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the urgent need for traffic management solutions and additional access routes to prevent congestion and ensure safety for residents. Flannery highlighted the significant increase in traffic expected from the new development, which could lead to dangerous conditions for children playing in the area.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among residents that the city must prioritize safety and quality of life over financial incentives tied to the development. Many urged the council to halt further approvals for additional phases of the Rail Runner project until comprehensive traffic studies are conducted and adequate access solutions are established.

Overall, the council meeting underscored the community's growing concerns about the impact of rapid development on local infrastructure and safety, prompting calls for more responsible urban planning and engagement from city officials.