Let’s admit it—change isn’t easy. And when it comes to changing traffic patterns, it can really throw us for a loop. Unfortunately, with the growth northern Utah is experiencing, changing traffic patterns is inevitable. 2000 W. will be widened, 1800 N. in Clinton and 5600 S. in Roy will also be widened and receive new I-15 interchanges. On these projects alone, construction will likely be happening for the next 5 years, causing major shifts in driving habits.
Meanwhile, in Clearfield, we have our own changes to deal with. As many may be aware, there are changes planned around Clearfield Station. Because traffic to and from the station is expected to increase over the next 10 years, there will be a new traffic light at the entrance of Clearfield Station. The addition of that light will set off a barrage of changes around the station, including two new roads and the moving of the stoplight on State Street from 1000 E. to 1450 S., as well as a raised median to prevent thru traffic at 1000 E. I am happy to review those changes with you at any time, as is any member of the City Council or staff. Our main concern is the safety of our residents—those who are driving, as well as those children walking to and from school. While the solutions being put in place will take some time to get used to, they are the best solutions available.
Now, with that said, we are working with UDOT to postpone these changes until it is absolutely necessary. Our proposal to UDOT is to add the new road at 1450 S. but not change or activate the signals, nor install the raised median until a certain threshold of new traffic from Clearfield Station is reached. As we don’t anticipate construction on the new commercial and residential spaces to begin until spring, and it will likely take 18-24 months to be built and occupied, an agreement with UDOT could potentially postpone the intersection changes for 2-3 years.
On a positive note, while there is a lot of change going on around us, there is one thing that did not change. Unlike many of the cities around us this year, Clearfield did NOT raise property taxes. We were able to balance our budget without raising taxes or even maintaining the current tax rate. That means you should see a reduction in the city’s portion of your property taxes. As we continue to grow over the next 10 years, we will continue to add additional revenue from property taxes and sales tax. It is our hope that those revenues will continue to keep up with increased expenses and allow us to continue to pass on further reductions to you.
Mayor Mark Shepherd