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UDOT presents SR‑143 speed study; recommends speed management measures, not raising town speed
Summary
A UDOT speed study found 85th percentile speeds above posted limits in transition areas leaving Parowan; UDOT recommended speed‑management measures (driver feedback signs, curb/roadway context changes) and offered to cover about 50% of driver feedback sign material costs.
Cody Marchant, traffic operations engineer for UDOT Region 4, presented a speed study of SR‑143 through Parowan and recommended context‑based speed management rather than a posted‑limit increase through most of town. The study found higher speeds leaving town (85th percentile commonly 8–9 mph over posted limits) and lower compliance in certain transition zones, but overall good compliance through the downtown 30‑mph segment.
Marchant explained UDOT's process: the 85th and 50th percentile metrics inform setting limits, but changes should be paired with physical roadway context and speed‑management devices. He said UDOT will partner with local governments to share ~50% of material costs for driver feedback signs (estimated $5,000–$6,000 per sign in materials) and suggested measures such as curb extensions, gateway signage, and targeted radar feedback signs. "If we want lower speeds, we drive the speed limit and not think we can drive above what is actually posted," Marchant told the council. Councilmembers raised pedestrian crossing concerns at new sidewalks and asked staff to explore locations and funding for driver feedback signs; UDOT committed to coordinating placement and power‑connection details.
Council directed staff to continue coordinating with UDOT on sign funding and to consider pedestrian crossing alerts as sidewalks are installed near the interchange and grocery store. The speed study appendix (provided to council) lists additional speed‑management options and data.
