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Prospector Hill residents urge access on traction days; council rejects Mineshaft Road exception
Summary
Residents from Prospector Hill told the Cottonwood Heights City Council that current traction‑day controls at Mineshaft Road cause long delays and safety concerns; after public comment the council voted down ordinance 4‑57, which would have created an exception for the neighborhood.
Dozens of Cottonwood Heights residents urged the City Council on Tuesday to allow limited access from Prospector Hill onto Big Cottonwood Canyon on traction days, saying current controls force long detours and create safety hazards.
Denise Tinney, who said she represents one of about 71 households on Prospector Hill, told the council the neighborhood faces "nightmare" traffic conditions on attraction days and described motorists becoming angry when residents try to exit. "It's a unique area. We love it... but we just need the council to sort of, like, just allow us on traction days to get up Big Cottonwood Canyon," Tinney said.
Other residents made similar points. A man identified as Jerry described being turned away at an inspection stop and then forced into a time‑consuming route that added 25 minutes to a short trip. Mark Bauer, a longtime resident, said he supports traction‑day rules but estimated only "about five" households actually use the canyon on attraction days and asked for a sticker/ID system with a quick inspection for safety. Leslie Kovach echoed the safety concern, asking council to permit left turns for properly credentialed, 4‑wheel‑drive residents.
Council members considered those pleas when they debated ordinance 4‑57, which would have created an exception to controlled access at Big Cottonwood Canyon Road and Mineshaft Road. Council member Burrell moved to approve the ordinance and Mayor Wickers seconded. On roll call Burrell voted yes; Council member Holton voted no; Council member Hyland voted no; Council member Newell voted no; Mayor Wickers voted yes. The motion failed and the exception was not adopted.
Council members did not adopt alternative relief for the neighborhood during the meeting. Residents seeking a policy change therefore left with the formal request unresolved; council discussion and votes indicate the ordinance as proposed will not take effect.
