The contest over which route will become the city's new major downtown freeway access has had more lead changes than a long-distance road rally.
And now there's another contender: an access ramp at 400 South.The new option looks particularly viable because Salt Lake Mayor Deedee Corradini considers proposals for North Temple and 200 South out of contention.
"We are still in the public comment phase and I want to hear what our neighborhoods think, but I am personally opposed to North Temple and 200 South off-ramps," Corradini said.
Corradini says she wants to keep commuters from filtering through the city's neighborhoods. That means keeping them off North Temple.
Corradini's opposition to a North Temple interchange is contrary to the recommendations of a task force she formed last year. The Mayor's Transportation Improvement Task Force listed two variations of a North Temple interchange among the top three options it supported.
Deputy Mayor Brian Hatch says despite the task force recommendation, the city has never supported building an off-ramp at North Temple.
The North City Transportation Committee, a group of residents and political leaders from the city's northern neighborhoods, has been vocal in opposing a North Temple interchange. That, plus Corradini's opposition, led to the newest proposal.
That option calls for an access ramp at 400 South, said Dave French, project manager for Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade and Douglas Inc. The Utah Department of Transportation hired the consulting firm to come up with a plan for reconstructing 16 miles of I-15 in Salt Lake County.
"The idea came up within the last two weeks, and we're trying to make it work," French said.
However, he said, that would require another controversial proposal: turning 300 West and 400 West into one-way streets. That idea has been opposed by the West High School Community Council.
West High School is bounded by 300 West and 400 West. The school would turn into a "freeway island" if the streets are made one way, according to the community council.
French said the one-way streets may be more palatable if 300 West, which fronts the school, is dropped below ground and a pedestrian overpass is built.
Although the consulting firm "is taking a hard look at a 400 South ramp," all options, including North Temple, are viable, French said.
"I don't think any alternatives will be eliminated any time soon," French said.
That's not the way Corradini or the North City Transportation Coalition see it.
"Clearly for us, North Temple is not an option," said Stuart Reid, city councilman for the northwest quadrant. "Its impact on neighborhoods on both sides of the freeway is significant."
Residents of the Capitol Hill and Avenues neighborhoods have gathered 5,000 signatures on a petition opposing a freeway access at North Temple, according to Councilman Sam Souvall. The petition also opposes turning 300 West and 400 West into one-way streets.
Neither Corradini nor the North City Coalition, however, has taken a stand on the one-way-streets proposal.
While Corradini says she is still reviewing a 400 South ramp, the coalition supports the option.
"We think 400 South is the best option simply because it's a main thoroughfare," Reid said.
The area around 400 South is primarily a business district and its interests should come second to those of the city's residential neighborhoods, Souvall said.
The coalition's efforts to steer Parsons Brinkerhoff away from a North Temple ramp may be setting the stage for a showdown between various parts of the city.
City Councilman Alan Hardman, who represents the Central City neighborhoods, recently warned the consulting firm that it should not interpret the coalition's support for a 400 South ramp as a statement of consensus from the community.
"I'd hate to have everyone go marching down this road thinking the problem is solved because you've made one part of the city happy when that is not the case," Hardman said at a recent City Council meeting. "My concern is that the consultant doesn't get the conception that pleasing one area may meet the needs of all areas of the city."
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Meetings on access
The city plans to hold three meetings this month to hear public comments on the latest proposals for I-15 access ramps and changes to other streets.
The following meetings are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the City/County Building, 451 S. State St.
- Tuesday, Aug. 23, for the central community councils.
- Wednesday, Aug. 24, for the North City Coalition.
- Thursday, Aug. 25, for the Salt Lake School District.