WOODS CROSS—While the project is still in the acquisition phase, Woods Cross City will install a new traffic light. The city has been awarded funding and grants in order to complete this project.

Traffic signals play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on the roads. By regulating traffic flow at intersections, traffic signals help prevent collisions and other accidents. Traffic signals also help to manage congestion and reduce the likelihood of collisions.

The intersection at 800 W. 1500 South is scheduled in the near future to receive a traffic signal. For Woods Cross residents, this may come as a relief for this intersection. Many vehicles pass through this daily, and drivers have problems with the current four-way stop. 

Sam Christiansen, Woods Cross Public Works Director, said that traffic lights must meet particular warrants that are spelled out in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This is a federal set of regulations dictating most aspects of all road signage, pedestrian access safety and traffic control.

“The traffic at this intersection met all the conditions required for the light,” said Christiansen. “As a result, it will increase pedestrian safety and help reduce traffic incidents.”

The project is currently estimated at $1.1 million. The city has obtained funding from Wasatch Front Regional Council, Davis County Prop 1 grant (an $80,000 grant from the third quarter funding) and the city matching funds estimated at $150,000 to $200,000. 

“There was a law established a few years ago that gives about a quarter percent of sales tax to improve right of ways, and this is where we got a lot of funding,” said Bryce Haderlie, Woods Cross City Administrator. “Overall, citizens will pay about 1% of the total cost. We are really fortunate in having these agencies that are helping out with this.”

During a city council meeting on Feb. 7, the staff passed a resolution approving the Interlocal Cooperation Transportation Project Reimbursement Agreement for the 800 W. 1500 South intersection project. “The project is still in the final design and right of way acquisition phase,” said Christiansen. “We are planning on bidding it out mid-summer to late fall.”

Christiansen said that once the traffic signal is installed, UDOT Traffic Operations will monitor the light to help with traffic flow and update their traffic app. He also said that the project is tentatively scheduled for fall/winter but will shift to accommodate asphalt plants’ operating schedules.

“The council hopes to keep the intersection open as much as possible and not affect school traffic too much,” said Christiansen. “Unfortunately, it is impossible to do this project without negatively affecting traffic during construction. Therefore, this project will not start until both 1100 West projects are completed.”

As the city installs the traffic signal, they will rebuild the road 200 feet in each direction and change the pedestrian ramps to meet current ADA compliance. λ