Active and Public Transportation Connectivity between North Temple TOD and Jordan Park River Trail

Zambrana, Ivis Garcia · 2017 · ROSA P / National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC)

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Summary

This report evaluates the connectivity between the North Temple Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) corridor and the Jordan River Parkway Trail on the west side of Salt Lake City, Utah. The study addresses a gap in transportation literature regarding how TOD and regional trails intersect in low-income neighborhoods. Historically divided by rail lines and freeways, the west side suffers from stigma and economic neglect. The research aims to determine how planners can best create pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation networks linking these assets to promote equity, sustainability, and active transportation choices. The University of Utah’s Westside Studio conducted the research using a mixed-methods approach between January and August 2016. Methods included quantitative analysis of GIS mapping, socioeconomic data, and pedestrian counts, alongside qualitative community engagement. Researchers conducted focus groups and distributed surveys to hundreds of residents to gather local knowledge on asset usage, perceived barriers, and desired improvements. The study focused on diagnosing infrastructure gaps, analyzing street design elements like human scale and transparency, and documenting resident perspectives on safety and connectivity. Key findings reveal that while the Jordan River Parkway Trail is a significant asset, 40% of residents have never used it, and many who do drive to it despite living nearby. Connectivity is a primary barrier; residents reported unclear wayfinding and disconnected routes, noting that the trail lacks easy access to public transportation hubs like the North Temple TRAX station. North Temple itself is automobile-oriented, with 57% of respondents accessing it by car rather than active modes. Safety is a major concern for both the trail and the corridor, with residents citing crime, homelessness, and poor lighting as deterrents. Additionally, the lack of amenities such as restrooms, trash cans, and shade reduces the appeal of these spaces for walking and biking. The report concludes that improving connectivity between TOD and trails requires addressing safety perceptions, enhancing wayfinding, and adding amenities. Recommendations include installing comprehensive signage to highlight connections between the trail and North Temple, improving lighting to enhance safety, and adding bathrooms and water fountains. The authors suggest incentivizing active transportation through entertainment and events, such as food trucks and festivals, to foster community engagement. The study implies that for low-income neighborhoods with transit and trail access, investments must focus on bridging physical and perceptual gaps to ensure these regional amenities function as true neighborhood assets, thereby increasing ridership and active travel.

Key finding

Survey results showed that 57% of respondents primarily accessed the North Temple corridor by automobile, while 40% of residents reported never using the adjacent Jordan River Parkway Trail.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Provenance

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