ST. GEORGE — The 2016 St. George City-Dixie Regional Transportation Expo is the place for all who drive, walk, bike or use public transportation in Washington County to become better informed on current and future transportation projects and to have a voice in regional transportation planning.
As Utah’s population and tourism increases, travel throughout the state has increased and will continue to pose significant demands on the transportation system. Like the rest of the state, Washington County faces the substantial challenge of meeting travel demands with limited financial resources to maintain, preserve, improve and expand transportation infrastructure.
Last year, Washington County had a one-year housing growth rate of 2.9 percent — the second-highest in the state — with more than 1,700 new homes built. Though this type of growth is sustainable, as opposed to the rip-roaring growth in the early 2000s, a comprehensive plan and strategy to manage systems such as transportation is key.
The Transportation Expo plays an important role in the overall Regional 2016-2040 Long Range Transportation Plan.
Bill Swensen, project manager for the City of St. George, is coordinating the event.
“Our tagline this year states that the Transportation Expo is where a 30-minute walk can put you ‘in the know’ and ‘help us grow,’ and this really is true,” Swensen said. “Our goal is to share information and provide a venue for our residents to share their ideas and input so that we can provide improved transportation services and solutions for everyone.”
This year’s expo will be held Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the Ballroom of the Dixie Center St. George. The event is free, and all are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Representatives from surrounding cities, the county and Utah Department of Transportation will be available to explain transportation projects and studies and take comments on projects, including:
- Sunset/Bluff interchange
- Bluff Street/St. George Boulevard improvements
- Interstate 15 widening and Mall Drive Underpass
- Southern Parkway improvements
- Old state Route 91 improvements
- Hurricane City 400 South reconstruction project
- I-15 interchange at MP11
- Washington Fields Road widening
- River Road and Fort Pierce Bridge widening
- St. George City Active Transportation Plan and updated information on St. George Parks and Trails
- SunTran Bus System
- St. George Municipal Airport possible new routes and tourism programs
This is the best opportunity for residents to learn about projects and give comments and feedback on the Regional 2016-2040 Long Range Transportation Plan, including the above-listed projects.
Public feedback is an integral element in planning efficient and effective roadways; every resident will have the chance to have an impact on the future look of transit in our area.
Programs and displays at the Transportation Expo this year will include:
Hybrid and vintage vehicles | Promoting alternative fuel options and economy strategies that support smart transportation practices such as Idle Free Utah and the Clean Air Challenge.
Southern Utah Bike Alliance | Presenting a creative assortment of bikes to reflect and illustrate the range of cycling opportunities in Washington County. The display supports their mission to help Southern Utah communities achieve the Road Respect community designation, a statewide initiative that began five years ago with the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Highway Patrol and Zero Fatalities designed to create mutual respect on the road.
St. George Police Department/“Heads Up Thumbs Up” | Heads Up, Thumbs Up is an important program that educates residents on the dangers of distracted driving and how it affects lives right here in our own community.
“Every resident has a vested stake in transportation planning. This expo is designed to ignite and support public participation,” Swensen said. “We hope to see, meet and talk with as many Washington County residents as possible.”
Resources
- St. George City-Dixie Regional Transportation Expo | website | Facebook
- Regional 2016-2040 Long Range Transportation Plan
- St. George City Active Transportation Plan
- St. George Municipal Airport
- Idle Free Utah
- The Clean Air Challenge
- Road Respect community designation
- St. George Police Department Heads Up, Thumbs Up
Event details
- What: 2016 St. George City-Dixie Regional Transportation Expo
- When: Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Dixie Center St. George Ballroom, 1835 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews