Draper staff recommend targeted drainage fixes, asphalt connecting path instead of full 700 West widening

Public‑works project manager Scott Cooley briefed the council on the 700 West corridor and why the widening project has stalled. Cooley said the main outstanding technical issue is drainage near 100 and 14th South and that an irrigation ditch along the corridor would add substantial cost to a widening project.

"So that's really I, Mike asked me to present this because it's kind of been stale on the shelf for a while," Cooley said, outlining options. He recommended cheaper targeted drainage repairs and an asphalt connecting path to improve pedestrian access rather than full curb‑and‑gutter widening, and told councilors staff would return with cost comparisons. Cooley noted some right‑of‑way remains and the city can likely address many drainage pockets without the full infrastructure cost that curb and gutter would require.

Councilors and residents pressed on safety and continuity of sidewalks. Cooley proposed a 2–3 foot buffer off existing pavement and a 7‑foot asphalt walkway to link gaps in the sidewalk network, which he said would be far less expensive than curb, gutter and full widening. He also said prior reports of traffic stacking at intersections appear to have eased in recent years and that UDOT signal timing adjustments may have helped.

Council asked for written cost comparisons and options that preserve the area's more rural feel where residents prefer it. Cooley said the city has some general‑fund and impact‑fee money available but that full project costs have risen since the original funding approval and staff would return with specific estimates.