EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — Eagle Mountain City is preparing to vote on the site plan for a new Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Park and Ride facility along Pony Express Parkway. The proposal, which has received a unanimous recommendation from the Planning Commission, will come before the City Council at its April 1, 2025 meeting.
The project, a collaboration between Eagle Mountain City and UTA, will utilize 1.4 acres of a nearly 10-acre property currently designated as Parks and Open Space. The facility will feature 56 parking stalls and a signalized HAWK pedestrian crossing to improve safe access across Pony Express Parkway.
Study Shows Low Projected Demand A recently resurfaced internal study by UTA’s planning team sheds light on anticipated usage at the proposed location — and it may come as a surprise to residents. Conducted by service planner Jem Locquiao and reviewed by UTA’s senior service planner Nick Wilcox, the study used the latest version of the Wasatch Front Regional Travel Demand Model and estimated demand for the year 2028.
Key findings include:
- Estimated daily boardings at the Eagle Mountain Park and Ride: approximately 14 boardings by walk access and 3 boardings by drive access.
- The projections assumed a realignment of local bus service, including the replacement of Routes 806 and 809 with the new Route 860, which would run every 30 minutes throughout the day.
- The analysis factored in 2028 socio-economic and highway network data to estimate commuter needs.
The study also noted the proximity of an LDS church approximately 0.3 miles east of the proposed site. UTA planners suggested that existing agreements allowing Park and Ride use at church facilities might potentially expand parking capacity or offer flexibility in future land use.
City Compliance and Planning Commission Approval The site plan meets all Eagle Mountain Municipal Code (EMMC) requirements related to site development, grading, utilities, screening, and lighting. The Planning Commission forwarded a 5-0 positive recommendation, indicating that the proposal complies with zoning standards and development guidelines.
Despite the low projected daily use, city staff have recommended approval of the plan, citing its alignment with long-term infrastructure goals and regional transit accessibility improvements.
City Planner Steven Lehmitz, who prepared the staff report, indicated that the Park and Ride project supports the city’s long-term transportation goals. According to the report, the facility is intended to improve connectivity and offer additional commuter options as the Eagle Mountain community continues to grow.
The City Council will deliberate on whether the benefits of enhanced transportation infrastructure outweigh the study’s projected low usage and whether further collaboration with local partners, like the nearby LDS church, could improve the facility’s long-term utility.
Public documents available for review include the full site plan, detailed parking study, and project maps.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.
