A key east-west connection is getting major upgrades as SLC continues mission to tear down divide

Trekking to and from Salt Lake City’s northwest corner is about to get safer.

The city began reconstructing 300 North from 300 West to 1000 West this summer, focusing on improvements that slow down drivers and keep other users safe along the key east-west road.

“We heard a lot about speeding vehicles and dangerous driver behavior,” Kyle Irvin, who does civic engagement for the city’s transportation department, said, “which is amplified by the fact that there’s a lot of people who are outside of vehicles walking and biking in this area.”

Three main routes connect downtown to the west-side neighborhoods of Fairpark and Rose Park, allowing residents of Utah’s capital to reach destinations like West High School, Culture Coffee and the Utah State Fairpark. Two of those routes — 600 North and North Temple — are largely car-centric.

On 300 North, however, a new pedestrian bridge and less car traffic attract more walkers and bikers. Irvin said improvements that are underway would benefit all users.

Through the design process, residents noted that the existing bike lanes on the street don’t feel safe, better street lighting is needed and the curb ramps are subpar.

To address drivers speeding and running stop signs, construction crews will install three raised crosswalks — at 800 West, 700 West and midblock between 400 and 300 West. They also plan to install a four-way stop at 800 West.

The big item, though, is a two-lane, parking-protected bike track on the south side of the street that will help riders in both directions access the 300 North pedestrian bridge easily and safely. The north side of the street’s westbound bike lane will be preserved.

Parking on the south side of 300 North will be reduced but will remain unchanged on the street’s north side. At the west end of the project area, around Culture Coffee and the Utah State Fairpark, parking can be troublesome, especially during the state fair and other events.

A protected intersection at 1000 West with miniature concrete islands — similar to the intersection of 200 West and 300 South downtown — is also coming in an effort to encourage drivers to make slower turns and help other users cross the road.

Curb, gutter and street lighting improvements are on the way, too.

While some neighbors advocated for a biking amenity like the 9 Line Trail, Irvin said the city’s $3.6 million budget for the project did not stretch far enough to allow for such an investment.

While the project is a part of the voter-approved 2018 roads bond, construction has just begun and is set to wrap up by mid-summer next year.

Transportation officials decided 300 North needed a face-lift because it’s an integral connection point for the Fairpark and Guadalupe neighborhoods.

“It was chosen partially because it’s a major corridor and partially because of poor asphalt quality,” said John Coyle, an administrator in the city’s engineering department.

Coyle expects there will be minimal impacts to road users during construction because the street is so wide.

The project comes as the city focuses on improving other roads and slowing down traffic in the neighborhood. Construction on a redesigned 600 North is due to start next year. City officials are also studying Fairpark as part of the Livable Streets program, which aims to slow cars on small neighborhood roads.