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Hurricane council adopts five‑year streets plan but punts contested connector to item 9
Summary
After extended debate over a short connector that residents oppose, the Hurricane City Council approved a prioritized five‑year street improvement plan, keeping the disputed 150 South connector on the list as item 9 for later study and ordinance action.
Hurricane — The City Council on Tuesday adopted a prioritized five‑year streets improvement plan that lists eight near‑term projects and holds a contested 150 South connector as a separate, later item for engineering and policy review.
Council members and staff described the five‑year plan as a mix of rehabilitation and new‑build projects intended to fill the city’s construction pipeline after the recently completed 100 North improvement. Arthur Caden Weston, the city staff member leading street planning, told the council the list reflects projects in different phases — some ready for engineering, others requiring right‑of‑way acquisition.
The most contested piece was the proposed connector on 150 South tying 1400 West to nearby streets. Councilman David Hershey argued that the short jog at 150 South would funnel traffic through a neighborhood and urged delaying its engineering and acquisition until the straight 1400 West connection is complete. Other council members said connectivity and grid improvements reduce congestion on SR‑9 and aid circulation.
After an initial vote produced disagreement, the council adopted a compromise: projects 1–8 proceed as prioritized while the 150 South connector will remain on the plan as item #9 and be studied further in engineering, rather than being removed or immediately built. Staff reminded the council that reopening an earlier‑closed intersection where a crash gate was installed requires a separate ordinance and a future council vote.
Council members emphasized that funding, right‑of‑way acquisition and engineering will drive timing. Weston and others said some projects will be eligible for street impact fees, while others will need additional funding sources. The council directed staff to pursue engineering and property discussions and to return with more detailed cost and right‑of‑way analyses before construction decisions.
What’s next: Staff will begin engineering studies on the prioritized projects, examine the 150 South alternate as an engineering option, and report back on funding and right‑of‑way timelines. Reopening the closed intersection will require a separate ordinance and a future council vote.
