Roy residents urge council to pause Rail Runner phase 3 over single-access safety concerns

Dozens of residents of the Westpark/Trailside area told the Roy City Council on May 20 they want a halt to further development in the Rail Runner project area until a second access road and other safety fixes are in place.

Bridal McMillan, a Westpark Drive resident, told the council the neighborhood is effectively single-access and that "approximately a thousand more vehicles will soon be routed through the same narrow, poorly planned entrance and exit." McMillan said she had spoken with the city planner and learned five additional parcels north of the existing development are in the process of sale, "space for over 40 more units," and that additional phases beyond Phase 3 are planned.

Diana Espeland, who said she lives at 4523 Charles Side Drive, reiterated the safety concerns and told the council she had observed children playing in the road and drivers travelling at about 40 mph near the Westpark entrance. "It is only a matter of time before there is a serious rear end accident there at 40 miles an hour," she said.

Amanda (last name not provided), who identified herself as a Trailside Drive resident, described being struck in a low-speed crash in the neighborhood and said the collision cost her a leg and put her in a wheelchair. "I implore you, please do not let that happen to the kids in my neighborhood," she said. Several other neighbors described slow emergency response and the additional risk when trains block the single crossings.

Speakers asked council to: pause further approvals for Phase 3 and any additional phases that would add units until traffic and safety impacts can be studied; require a usable north access that is not designated "emergency only"; and require traffic calming, improved signage, and other mitigation before more occupancy.

City staff and speakers confirmed some approvals are already in place and that some roadwork (including paving at the 4000 South access) has been completed but that the developer may intend to keep certain access points blocked for construction. Residents said the uncertainty and mixed messaging from the developer and the city have left them fearing that new openings will not be available when the new residents arrive.

Mayor and council members thanked residents for bringing the concerns to the meeting and said staff would continue to work with the neighborhood, the developer and the city planner. Councilmember Randy (last name not provided) noted the council will "keep working this issue as you bring these issues to our attention." No formal council action on the development was taken during the May 20 meeting.

Clarifying details from public comment include: Bridal McMillan's report that five additional parcels north of the current Rail Runner development are being sold with space for over 40 more units; multiple residents' accounts that the neighborhood has only one practical exit (Westpark Drive) and that trains frequently block alternative routes; statements that the developer told residents a 4000 South access may be used only for emergency access and remain obstructed during construction; and residents' reports of several near-miss pedestrian incidents and one low-speed collision that caused life-changing injury.

The council did not vote on the neighborhood requests at the May 20 meeting. City staff indicated further coordination with the planner and developer and additional traffic studies and outreach would follow.