20 Years of Change – Transportation Growth (Interview with Zac Hilton Manager of Streets and Storm Water)

Zac Hilton the Streets and Storm Drain Manager for Eagle Mountain has seen changes over the last 20 years. He can also grow a beard that makes most guys envious. Zac has been an employee of Eagle Mountain since October 1999. “I began working for Eagle Mountain on October 4, 1999. Back then Eagle Mountain did not have a parks or streets department yet and public works put all the effort into operating the utilities. I started with the city as a natural gas technician installing gas lines, fixing brakes, and installing meters. About a year and a half later the city started the streets and parks department and I became the streets and parks supervisor. Around 2012 the two departments split and I was the streets supervisor. In 2016 I became the streets and storm water manager and I am currently filling the same position.” Zac tells us what the best part of working for Eagle Mountain has been,

“Honestly, it’s all of it! Being part of this city so close to the beginning and witnessing all the growth and accomplishments, that goes to residents as well as the employee’s to Eagle Mountain City. I really look forward to seeing where we are in ten years. It’s like climbing a mountain and looking back where you came from. Then looking to the next ridge and wondering what you will see when you get there.

Zac says that he has seen some changes in the last 20 years, “When I started 20 years ago there was only a two way stop sign at Redwood Road and SR 73. Now Eagle Mountain will have 11 traffic lights in the city by the end of January.” When asked what he found to be the most challenging thing during that time he gave us this insight. “I don’t think I can say I have a most challenging, more like that they evolve. In the beginning a lot of the challenges came from a lack of equipment and man power(snow plowing Eagle Mountain with 1 snowplow). Now it’s working with the rapid growth and providing maintenance to the infrastructure that is starting to age (pavement, sidewalks, and signs).” Not only has Eagle Mountain grown, but there have been some changes in road technology as well. “There is constantly always new technology and products coming out that help maintain and/or repair asphalt roads. Our process is to test them on small sections of roads and observe how it preform over time, traffic and weather. This summer the city purchased a mastic mixing kettle (after testing for several years) that allows us to permanently repair pot holes in the winter, level small dips and repair small failures.” One of the items that Zac is responsible for is to listen to the issues that residents have with the roads and their maintenance. I know that I have contacted them several times in the past to have them regrade lake mountain road over the years. They have always been helpful and have gotten to it as soon as they can get the equipment free from other tasks and to the area. When asked what one of the surprising things he has learned when monitoring traffic was, “the speeds that some drivers are willing to travel through the S curve on Eagle Mountain Blvd.” I have had many people ask me why don’t they just install a few speed bumps in high speed areas to calm the traffic. I asked Zac why Eagle Mountain does not use speed bumps to control traffic speeds. His response was, “Speed bumps are problematic with snow plows, commonly create drainage issues, and risk putting a distracted driver, such as cell phones, into an unwanted course. Studies also show that after 100’ to 150’ the speed bump has no impact or a negative one. Meaning in that small distance the driver is back to normal speeds or increases speed to off-set the speed bump.” When asked what the biggest complaint he gets from residents about roads and traffic in Eagle Mountain he stated, “Certainly as the city grows our infrastructure needs to grow with it. This includes new roadways, widening roads and improved traffic control. I feel that Eagle Mountains City Council has been very proactive in seeing this happen, but budgets are always a factor as well.” Carolyn Love, Eagle Mountain City Council Member Elect, will be taking office the first of 2020 had this to say about roads. “I will prioritize roads. They have a big impact on the quality of life for the residents of Eagle Mountain. We need to prioritize and plan for roads and then be smart about how we implement our plans so that we can provide the most value for the tax dollars that are spent on our roads.” Cedar Valley Sentinel (formerly i84005) recently did an Eagle Mountain resident survey. That survey asked the questions, “What is the main concern you have with living in Eagle Mountain?” Some of the residents responded that roads and traffic were big concerns for them.

“Narrow streets and neighbors who have more cars then will fit on their property. My street is Ficus Way in Lonetree right now it is covered in cars parked on the roads. –Most neighbors have more cars then they need or they do not actually use their garages or driveways as intended. The garages most 2 car garages will only fit one car the builder forgot to include the need to actually open doors to get in and out of your cars if you want to park both inside. I’ve noticed this is a problem in multiple neighborhoods.” “Congested roadways” “Roads that can’t handle high density housing” “Roads. It’s getting out of control. Many things it’s too late for. If someone parks in the road two cars can’t drive pst each other. SR73 is getting crazy the new mtn View corridor didn’t help at all if anything it has caused more issues during rush hour. It all bottle necks to the same spot anyways ”

Zac finishes by stating, “I just want to say I am so grateful for the opportunity to work in this city for the last 20 years. I work with some incredible people both residents and employees and I look forward to serving Eagle Mountain residents for years to come.” He also gives drivers some advice, “Respect the person you are sharing the road with. Courteous driving can go a long way for oneself and the drivers around them. ”