Attendance for the second open house of the Shields Lane Solutions Development Study did not disappoint in late September. Residents living along Shields Lane participated with questions and suggestions. The Project Team kept important features in mind while creating four concepts for consideration. These determined concepts were displayed at the open house.

“The stakeholder meetings have been happening once every couple months,” said Will Woodreid with Consultant Permetrix. “We’ve been meeting with a small group of community members more consistently where we test out ideas.”

Because two elementary schools and one middle school are found within the study area the key factors being considered started with safe routes to school along with recreation, exercise and health. These factors make this project important because east-west road availability is scant in the city of South Jordan. Residents are requesting this Shields Lane project make this road passage more walkable.

“The Wasatch Front Regional Council is overseeing this and it’s funded through a grant,” said Woodreid. “The narrower lanes, lights, bike lanes, trees and visual friction help slow things down.” This reduced speed will discourage through traffic and help with two more of the factors being considered: social life and well-being. 

Affordable transportation was also included for the project team’s consideration so people can access basic goods and activities without financial strain. 

“By enhancing accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians on Shields Lane, we are creating safer, more accessible transportation alternatives that allow residents to commute, recreate and navigate the City affordably and sustainably,” said Jeremy Nielsen, deputy city engineer.

The canal trail mentioned in one of the concepts will be similar to the Jordan River Parkway. It will be accessible for walking, biking and rolling traffic. This will give the local community another way to travel.

“I don’t know how long completing this trail will take, because it’s all about funding and getting permission from the property owners,” said Councilmember Jason McGuire.

All residents are encouraged to visit shieldslane.com to become educated on each of the four concepts being proposed. It also includes a survey which allows website visitors to have a voice in this study.

“We don’t have a preferred option. Shields Lane has lots of potential for east-west travel. At this point we’re trying to hone in on a preferred option,” Nielson said. “We want to get feedback on what direction the public wants to go.”

The date of the next meeting is yet to be determined. Based on the feedback received, the project team will explain which direction they are leaning towards. λ