WFRC asks cities to map context-sensitive street types under Wasatch Choice Great Streets

Ted Dalton, WFRC chief planner, presented the Wasatch Choice Great Streets framework as a way to align street design with local context and city- and town-center priorities. He argued that context-sensitive street types can increase safety, walkability and economic vitality while reducing regional travel demand by encouraging people to live and work closer to town centers.

Ted said the framework proposes a spectrum of street types from conventional major corridors to hybrid main-street treatments and full main streets, and that the intent is to provide a starting point for design conversations with local governments and transportation partners (UDOT and UTA). WFRC has pre-populated a draft map of street types for city and town centers and asked jurisdictions to review and respond using a chat link or QR code; the first-step deadline is March 6, with additional negotiation with state partners expected after that date.

Members said they were actively reviewing town-center boundaries and street types during the meeting and asked whether including streets on the map would aid coordination with UDOT/UTA. Ted said that a shared map does improve predictability and provides a starting point for solution development, though he acknowledged there may be differences that require follow-up conversations. He also noted WFRC will adjust the map in response to local input and suggested communities that do not want types assigned should explicitly say so.

Next steps: Jurisdictions were asked to provide comments on the draft Great Streets map by March 6 so WFRC can refine the framework and coordinate with UDOT and UTA.