Riverdale officials said they are preparing for heavy traffic when Trader Joe’s opens this week and expressed frustration with Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) delays on nearby bridge and road projects.

Mayor told the council he scheduled a meeting with UDOT about the bridges over 4400 and said he would invite UDOT to present to the council publicly. “I will invite them to our next meeting,” the Mayor said, responding to council concerns about a lack of recent updates from UDOT.

City staff said they were planning for a large crowd for Trader Joe’s and that public-safety and traffic-control personnel will be deployed for the opening. “You'll see our case out there in full force at least for the first little while,” said Casey, a city staff member, noting planned street marking and no-left-turns at choke points.

Council members said UDOT communications have been unclear and that project schedules appear behind. Councilor Hawes said UDOT canceled a kickoff meeting and has not clearly rescheduled; Councilor Richter and others described substantially increased travel times on Riverdale Road when nearby closures occur.

Staff and councilors discussed outreach to local businesses and neighboring cities, potential parking agreements, and the need for clear public messaging. The city said it had contacted nearby property owners and planned to coordinate with businesses and neighboring jurisdictions to manage parking during the opening weekend.

Councilors also proposed using the city’s survey software to gather and share resident comments with UDOT about the road work; staff agreed to follow up and coordinate community outreach before the next meeting.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff will continue coordinating traffic management for Trader Joe’s and will invite UDOT to present a public update to the council.