The final Shields Lane Solutions Development Study Open House was held on Dec. 11, 2024.  The third concept out of the four presented was the concept decided on. Residents living along Shields Lane were active participants in the first two open houses with their questions and suggestions. The request for a cohesive bike network and trails for residents were what prompted this study to begin with.

“The meeting was a success,” City of South Jordan Chief Deputy Engineer Jeremy Nielson said. “The majority of attendees expressed support for the preferred concept, which features a multi-use path on the south side of Shields Lane. Attendees also appreciated the city’s focus on biking and pedestrian traffic, as well as the planned trees and additional crosswalks.”

There was widespread support for the preferred concept. This support came from the stakeholders, including a few residents, the city council, the Wasatch Front Regional Council, UDOT, Merit Medical and the school district. This large group’s input was essential in providing the planners with good feedback from a cross-section of the community.

 “We sent letters to everybody who lives along Shields Lane to encourage participation,” Nielson said. “Valuable feedback was also received regarding on-street parking, maintaining driveway accessibility and school pick-up and drop-off considerations. A few comments raised concerns about potential increase in crime, light pollution and privacy concerns.”

The next step is to review this preferred solution and put together cost estimates. Then,  applying for grants, which are already in place, on the state and national level for active transportation is the next requirement
for funding.

“It’s a competitive process, so there’s no guarantee, but I think we can make a really good case for Shields Lane,” Nielson said. “It has a lot to offer the community, both regionally and to the city itself.”  λ