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MILLCREEK — Linda Olson, 64, was hit and killed by a utility truck last November as she was crossing 3300 South near 3000 East.
In response to Olson's death, a new traffic light at 3300 South is now up and running.
“I’m grateful that we have that light, and I’m sorry it took such a tragic incident to further this," Salt Lake County Councilman Sam Granato said Thursday.
The state owns 3300 South, meaning Millcreek Township required the assistance of the Utah Department of Transportation and Salt Lake County to make the $330,000 change a reality, said Patrick Leary, the county's township executive director.
"They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and our office of township services is a squeaky wheel that has a partnership with UDOT that was able to get this project done, funded by the state of Utah," Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams said.
The state has set aside $8 million for 10 new projects in 2014 that span each of the six townships in Salt Lake County.
"As the township executive, I commit that these dollars will be spent wisely and effectively, and I submit to you that the impact of these funds will be far greater and magnified throughout the greater Salt Lake Valley," Leary said.
Service and responsiveness is what township services does, and when it comes to public safety, well, there's no bigger responsibility or priority.
–Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams
The new light is a shining example of the collaboration community members should expect to continue with future projects, McAdams said.
"Service and responsiveness is what township services does, and when it comes to public safety, well, there's no bigger responsibility or priority," he said.
The need for the new traffic light was first brought to the attention of former Salt Lake County Councilwoman Jani Iwamoto by Millcreek community members two years ago.
"The community really came forward, and it was something I had not completed at the end of my term so I agreed to still work on it," Iwamoto said. "I’m really grateful that it’s in there, and I’m sure it will save lives."
According to Leary, the new light is a clear example of what is possible when communities engage with their elected officials to address public safety concerns. Email: mcollette@deseretnews.com Twitter: MirandaCollette
