USU Police aim to abolish parking along Highway 89

In an effort to prevent USU students from parking along the shoulder of U.S. Highway 89, Parking and Transportation Services partnered with USU Police Department to install “No Parking” signs, to inform students that parking there is prohibited.

This is the first year parking along that road has been a real problem, said James Nye, director of Parking and Transportation Services. “This year it has just exploded,” he said. 

“The major concern is trying to cross four lanes of traffic,” said Joe Izatt, assistant director of parking and transportation services. 

Police Chief Steve Mecham said while the posted speed is 40 mph, people usually travel about 50 mph along that road, and as students try to back in and out of their parking spots they run a serious risk of getting hit. 

“We’re just concerned someone is going to be seriously hurt,” he said.

USU Police, he said, is also concerned students might get hit while crossing the street to get to their cars. 

To solve this problem, USU Police submitted a letter to the Utah Department of Transportation seeking approval to install permanent “No Parking” signs in that area. The request must then go through the traffic commission. 

“We anticipate approval, but we don’t want to stand by while someone gets hurt,” said Capt. Steve Milne of the USU Police. 

In the meantime temporary signs have been placed along the road to warn students of the dangers of parking in the area. Many warning citations have also been issued in an effort to keep students safe, he said. 

While there is a great need for parking on that side of campus, representatives of Parking and Transportation Services and USU Police urge students to plan better and utilize the parking that is already there, Nye said. 

“A lot of the people parking on that road have permits, but it is quick and easy to park on the road. But it is not worth the convenience to get run over,” Nye said. 

While Parking and Transportation Services did not make this decision in response to the recent accident on that road, it is a good example of how dangerous that road can be and the safety measures needed in that area, Mecham said. 

– allie.jeppson3@gmail.com