Install protective fencing on the UT-202 overpass bridging I-80

The purpose of this letter is to request that protective fencing be installed on the UT-202 overpass bridging I-80 in Magna, Utah. Approximately 200 feet on the west side and east side of this stretch of road should be fenced.

This past August, a man died after falling from the UT-202 overpass and being struck by multiple vehicles on I-80. This tragedy would have been avoided if there had been a fence in place. We can and should prevent other, similar tragedies in the future.

This particular overpass bridge is within approximately 200 yards of a large concert & music festival venue. A venue which is also a major tourist attraction for travelers across the world and experiences heavy foot traffic.

In the last year, at least three other traffic accidents were reported in Utah involving people or animals that fell or jumped from overpasses onto interstate highways. Other states, including Pennsylvania and Ohio, have recognized this problem and taken steps to remedy it. They have proposed, passed, and implemented certain laws and rules that require protective fencing be placed on overpasses bridging interstate highways. Now is the time for Utah to follow suit.

Installing protective fences at certain overpasses is in the public interest. It will protect pedestrians, drivers, and vehicles. It will prevent accidental falls. It will reduce intentional jumping. And, it will help prevent debris from going onto the road. Put simply, it will help protect the public. For these reasons, and others, we respectfully request that you install protective fencing on the UT-202 overpass bridging I-80.

Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter.

­­­­­­­­­­Supporting info

UDOT

Bridge Management – Mission: Bridge Management inspects, monitors, reports and effectively manages the structure inventory for a safe, reliable transportation system.

Utah Region 2 for Maintenance

UT-202 bridge over I-80, approximately 200 feet and east and west sides

Contact

Department of Transportation
E-mail: srwebmail@utah.gov
Telephone: 801-965-4000
Administration/General Public Inquiries, Utah Department of Transportation
PO Box 141265, Salt Lake City, UT 84114 

Utah Highway Safety Office
5500 Amelia Earhart Drive #155
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
801-366-6040

Utah Senate Contacts

Merrill F. Nelson (House district 68)

Email: mnelson@le.utah.gov

Phone: 801-971-2172

Mailing Address: 164 S 800 E, GRANTSVILLE, UT, 84029

 Peter C. Knudson (Senate District 17)

Email: pknudson@le.utah.gov

Phone: 435-730-2026

Fax: 435-723-6371

Address: 1209 MICHELLE DR, BRIGHAM CITY, UT, 84302

Accidents from overpasses in Utah

8/19/2018 – Man fell off overpass at this location - https://kutv.com/news/local/man-found-dead-near-great-saltair

7/10/2017 – Man leapt to his death at 900 south and I-15 - http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5493196&itype=CMSID

11/22/2017 – Cows fell from overpass at I-84 and I-15 - https://www.ksl.com/?sid=46203442&nid=148&title=cows-fall-from-i-84-overpass-onto-southbound-i-15-after-semitrailer-rollover

Accidents from overpasses nationally

9/19/2018 – Landscaper fell to his death in San Diego - http://www.cbs8.com/story/39120395/caltrans-worker-injured-after-fall-from-i-805-overpass

10/30/17 – Woman was killed when boy jumped off overpass in VA - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/interstate-66-boy-jumps-overpass-woman-killed-apparent-suicide-attempt/

5/24/2017 – Woman was killed after falling over overpass in WA - https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article152424739.html

5/24/2017 – Man is killed after falling off overpass after a minor car accident in TX - https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Vehicle-Crashes-Into-Disabled-Vehicle-Killing-One-Person-Dallas-Police-424023174.html

11/12/2014 – Woman was killed after being thrown off overpass during a car accident in TX - https://abc13.com/news/woman-falls-to-death-after-west-loop-crash/391525/

Laws

Pennsylvania passed a law requiring protective fencing on some overpasses and bridges. The law requires them over interstates, as well as other areas.  - https://wnep.com/2018/06/29/new-law-protective-fencing-on-overpasses/

Ohio passed protective fencing rules for overpasses for interstates and state highways. - https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/01/highway_rock-throwing_tragedy.html

If you'd like to print and mail a copy of this petition, a downloadable document can be found online here:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G_xcmsmKEAcGM0oFyft5ePmlxzliTRf2I_58LKY0uSo/edit?usp=sharing