Salt Lake City Business Owner Challenged Bike Lane
A local store owner has petitioned to remove the 4th South Viaduct Trail following reported declines in customer traffic.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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A Salt Lake City business owner launched a petition calling for the removal of the new 4th South Viaduct Trail due to safety concerns and a reported 20% drop in store traffic. City officials and the Utah Department of Transportation are now reviewing potential modifications to the project.
Why it matters
The trail was created to link east and west Salt Lake City, but business owners fear the infrastructure changes negatively impact commercial accessibility. Local authorities are now navigating these complaints while balancing the city's broader alternative transportation goals.
A local business owner reported that traffic at her store declined by over 20% following the project opening. The city typically waits three to five years after construction ends to evaluate comprehensive safety data for such traffic-calming projects.
The players
Utah Department of Transportation
This state agency manages the infrastructure and transportation planning efforts across the state of Utah.
Salt Lake City
This municipal government oversees local planning and the development of transportation infrastructure within the city limits.
The details
To address concerns about visibility and access, crews have already modified driveways and fencing near the site. The city plans further mitigation through signage, signal retiming, and curb management to balance the path's usage with the needs of local businesses.
Timeline
The 4th South Viaduct Trail opened on May 27, 2026.
The city and the Utah Department of Transportation must reach a transportation agreement by January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This project reflects a broader trend of balancing urban bike lane expansion with the commercial needs of legacy brick-and-mortar storefronts. The situation marks a departure from standard municipal planning by incorporating state oversight requirements mandated by SB242.
Shoppers near the 4th South Viaduct Trail may notice ongoing construction adjustments, such as signage changes and curb management modifications. These updates are intended to improve access and visibility for those attempting to reach local storefronts.
The takeaway
Business owners in areas undergoing traffic-calming construction should document specific changes in traffic patterns to present to municipal planners. Engaging with city officials early in the mitigation process can help secure necessary access adjustments like improved signage.
What happens next
Salt Lake City and the Utah Department of Transportation are required to reach a formal transportation agreement by January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more context on local business developments, visit Salt Lake City Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
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Should city planners prioritize protecting local business access over installing new bike lane infrastructure?
