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Neighbors urge city to address Mine Shaft closures and transit gaps after traction‑control days
Summary
Residents of Prospector Hills and the Oaks at Wasatch raised safety concerns about Mine Shaft Road closures during winter traction‑control days and about the reduction of bus Route 953. Council members said staff are meeting to find solutions.
Residents from several Cottonwood Heights neighborhoods called on the city to take action after Mine Shaft Road closures during traction‑control days created access, school‑transportation and emergency‑response problems.
Multiple residents described incidents in which the temporary closure prevented bus pickups and delayed school transportation, forced parents to drive children to school and interrupted commutes. Henry Sokolsky said about 100 people live at the Oaks at Wasatch and that 85 residents signed a petition asking the council to restore service on bus Route 953; he said the route matters not only for recreational access but for people who rely on transit to get to work.
Mark Bauer, who spoke for a group of neighbors, said closing Mine Shaft during traction days blocks the most direct and safest route into the neighborhood and forces drivers onto longer, more hazardous detours. Several other residents, including Nate Young, Ryan Heimpel, Kate Shamowski, Jim Kirchner, Jerry (last name provided orally) and Ed Werkowski, described near‑misses, long waits to exit neighborhoods and difficulties reaching work or medical appointments when closures were in effect.
One resident said a school bus could not pick up a child and the parent had to drive the child to a different pickup point. Another resident, Ed Werkowski, said he must be to the VA hospital by 7:30 a.m. and that inconsistent closure policies jeopardize punctual medical appointments.
Speakers asked the city to coordinate better notification, clarify where closures will be enforced and to work with UDOT and public‑safety partners on a consistent plan that preserves emergency access and minimizes disruption for residents. Chris Schrank said some of the barricades can be moved by drivers but that process can delay emergency vehicles.
Council members and the mayor acknowledged the concerns and said the city is aware of the problem. Mayor Mike Wickers told residents the city leadership is meeting this week to pursue solutions. Council member Ellen Burrell said the city has new tools and federal templates for safety planning and emphasized speed control and a “safe systems” approach when addressing roadway hazards.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; council members said staff will meet with relevant agencies and report back on possible operational changes, signage, notification protocols and options for restoring bus service. Residents were invited to provide input to staff for the planned meetings.
