I have ridden my bicycle up Emigration Canyon for just under 50 years, and I have never had an issue with the traffic while biking in the canyon, unless Salt Lake City was making some road repairs, and even then, the number of vehicles stopped was usually less than five.
I have never seen a traffic jam in the canyon; nor have I seen anything but minimal traffic.
The plan to widen the Emigration Canyon Road is just one more unneeded project that will deny cyclists and others access to favorite riding canyons, raise havoc with traffic for years, ruin the canyon’s personal charm and take the property of current property owners.
On timing, for example, City Creek Canyon has been closed to cycling above the water plant at three miles into the canyon for at least three years. Similarly, Millcreek Canyon has been closed to cycling above the gate just past Log Haven for about three years. And there is talk of widening the road in Big Cottonwood Canyon and putting a tram in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Salt Lake City and the planning commission responsible for buildings and traffic in Salt Lake City have already messed up 1100 East, 2100 South and various other downtown streets with unnecessary islands or obstacles. And, worst of all, with 500-unit apartment complexes that have been built or are under construction on nearly every downtown block, with the buildings running right up to the sidewalks, and with no end seemingly in sight.
No water problem there!
I can’t wait for their plans on the old Snelgrove Ice Cream property on 2100 South. Or maybe I can!
Emigration Canyon does not need to be widened! And it would be nice if the city employed contractors who can complete a project in a reasonable time.
When I was about 18 years old, I worked on a pipeline project being constructed by Enoch Smith & Sons Construction. It started late in 1962, maybe near the end of September, at about 3000 East and 3300 South and went all the way to Lehi. The entire project, with an on-site crew of less than seven, mostly laborers, completed the project before Christmas!
Salt Lake City needs to find some new building and street-planning personnel with some common sense, and stop approvals of new apartment and condominium projects that take our water and increase our traffic, while also placing islands and other obstacles in our streets that have no real purpose.
Leonard W. Burningham, Salt Lake City