This case study examines the issues regarding the 1.7-mi stretch of 300 West Street between 900 South Street and 2100 South Street1 in Salt Lake City. This is a highly traveled road that had mobility and safety challenges for all users. Challenges included intermittent sidewalks in a poor state of repair, with obstructions such as light poles and fire hydrants in the right-of-way (a hinderance to assistive-mobility users); an absence of bicycle lanes; and a lack of amenities and landscaping. Mobility and safety challenges created an inaccessible and unsafe experience for nonmotorists and contributed to a lack of cohesive  community character. A significant percentage of the roadway pavement was in poor condition. Lighting inadequacies were outside the scope of this project because lighting is not under the purview of the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT).

Feedback from users and community members since completion of the first phases of this project indicates general satisfaction with the enhancements in safety, mobility, aesthetics, and comfort. The road diet decreased vehicle speeds and shortened the crossing distance for pedestrians and bicyclists. Raised sidewalks and bicycle lanes improved user visibility and safety. The landscape strips, tree canopy, and drought-resistant landscaping served as a buffer between vehicles and active transportation users and improved the environment.

Recommended citation: Federal Highway Administration, Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study: 300 West Street Reconstruction Project, Salt Lake City, UT (Washington, DC: 2023) https://doi.org/10.21949/1522005.