At a Jan. 14 public hearing local officials and a resident discussed the next phase of the Life on State project, a series of infrastructure improvements aimed at making State Street safer for pedestrians and drivers alike. The project is funded by a local transportation tax collected by Salt Lake County and focuses on specific traffic control measures between Haven Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.

Sharen Hauri, Department of Neighborhoods director, presented the city’s proposal to address high-accident areas at Haven Avenue. 

The "Life on State" initiative isn't just about beautification; it’s a data-driven approach to reducing accidents, she said. 

Features of the current plan include a new median at the corner of Haven and State Street which will eliminate left-hand turns from Haven onto northbound State Street. This intersection currently requires drivers to cross four lanes of traffic on a seven-lane road, a maneuver which is a frequent cause of accidents, Hauri said.

To protect those on foot, the city plans to install corner bulb-outs on several side streets, including Windward, Wentworth, Utopia and Commonwealth. These extensions shorten the distance pedestrians must walk to cross the street and slow down vehicles turning onto local roads.

A mid-block refuge (a pedestrian island) is also planned near Parley’s Trail to provide a safe "staging area" for cyclists and pedestrians crossing State Street. City officials are also considering extending the median at Wentworth Avenue to physically prevent illegal left turns that continue to occur despite existing signage.

The public hearing included feedback from Robert Ozarvan, owner of the property at 2312 S. State St. where the Tesla dealership is located who expressed concern that restricting turns out of Haven Avenue might eventually lead the city or UDOT to restrict turns into Haven from State Street.

"I want people to be able to access my property," Ozarvan said, noting that his business relies on entrances from State, Haven and Truman. "I just want to see language added that they’re not going to take that left turn away from State Street into Haven down the road."

City officials were quick to offer reassurance. 

"We have no intention of closing that off," Community and Economic Development Director Jonathan Weidenhamer said. City councilmembers echoed this sentiment, reminding the public that any future changes would require a separate, public process.

Construction on these improvements is slated to begin this summer. Most movements (inbound/outbound rights and inbound lefts) will remain at Haven Avenue; only the northbound left-turn exit will be eliminated.