This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Salt Lake City's 200 West Street is taking on a new look between South Temple and 900 South with new bike lanes and a reduction in automobile lanes.
The project is expected to be completed by mid-September.
A statement from the administration of Mayor Ralph Becker said the new alignment will create "a safer, more efficient and multi-modal corridor for residents, visitors and local businesses."
The project, according to transportation director Robin Hutcheson, includes 1.5 miles of asphalt re-sealing, 32 new curb ramps for pedestrians, improved bike lanes, 34 new planters with murals by local artists and new pedestrian safety islands.
Last year, the city completed a similar protected bike-lane project along 300 South from 600 East to 300 West.
The projects intersect at 200 West and 300 South.
"The protected-intersection layout maintains separation between pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles through the intersection," Hutcheson said, "while also supporting the addition of angle-parking stalls for businesses along adjacent blocks."
In early August, 200 West was resurfaced and a new striping layout was put down. Remaining work includes curb-ramp replacement for pedestrian safety and walkability, as well as installation of curb medians to separate parking from bike lanes.
Prior to the project, the street had excess vehicle capacity, handling only 7,000 cars per day on a configuration built for 70,000 cars per day, Hutcheson said.
"The bike-lane project reallocates the street space to better match current and future travel patterns by city residents and visitors," she said. "Over one-third of all downtown trips are now taken on foot or on bicycle."
For more information, visit: http://www.slcgov.com/200West.