Ammon Considers Island on Sunnyside

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Story Published: Jan 7, 2008 at 6:26 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:16 PM MST

By Danielle Leigh

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Twice a day Sunnyside Road in Ammon turns into a dangerous obstacle course for drivers near Hillcrest High.

Between speeding cars ignoring crossing guards and long waits to get out of the school, the city has some definite problems. In fact, they're the same problems officials were facing two years ago.

Back then, the city wanted to add an island along Sunnyside, but that idea was blocked by nearby residents.

Two years later, they're pushing for that island once again.

"I think that would help a lot. I wish that's what they would have done in the first place," says Hillcrest Sophomore Mason Neidner.

The city has tried everything from a new crosswalk, to a crossing guard and even prohibiting left hand turns out of the high school.

"There's a sign that says you're not supposed to, but people do it anyways. That's what makes it take so long. Normally, I have to wait like five minutes just to get out if I come out on this side," says Neidner.

Noncompliance is about half of the city's problem at this intersection, but the fact that Sunnyside is a main thorough fare doesn't help any. And so, today safety is still as big a concern as it was two years ago.

That has the city back to square one considering an island, they already know residents will oppose.

"An island would be very difficult for everybody here. We'd have to do double backs, and what's wrong with a walkover," says Resident Vada Burden.

The problem is that an overpass would cost the city half a million dollars, a solution the city can't afford.

"And I don't know what they can do for that," says Crossing Guard Sue Croft.

A stop light is another option but it would significantly slow down traffic on Sunnyside.

As for the island, the city will be discussing the possibility in their February work session, doing a traffic study along the street, and considering public comments before making a decision.

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