UTA installing new fences for pedestrian safety

WEST JORDAN, Utah UTA is taking new steps to increase the safety of commuters crossing TRAX and FrontRunner tracks.

Theyre installing new safety devices across the Wasatch Front, including at the intersection of 3200 West and 8600 South in West Jordan where Shariah Casper was hit and killed by a TRAX train back in June 2011.

New channeling fences are going up in 160 locations where sidewalks intersect with TRAX and FrontRunner lines.

Were getting them to look down both ways, even if they dont realize theyre doing it, said Chad Saley with UTA. Weve had a lot of issues with people that are distracted in the past. With pedestrians whether they have headphones in or maybe a hood on or theyre paying attention to a phone.

The system is designed so that a sidewalk ends at a fence, forcing pedestrians to change their direction and perhaps see an oncoming train they would have otherwise missed.

Its zig-zaggy and its usually straight, said pedestrian Jaycia Griffin. It makes you more aware, that you have to stop before you go across the tracks.

Construction is complete in 70 of the 160 locations designated for channeling fences. The rest are expected to be finished within a year.

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UTA installing new fences for pedestrian safety