OGDEN – To make it easier to navigate the various attractions in the Ogden Valley, new signs are expected to appear on the area’s roads and trails from June.
Following in-depth discussions in 2018, Weber County’s commissioners signed a contract to set up 33 distinctive signposts along the region’s roads and 12 more along the hiking and biking trails. It’s not cheap; The 45 signs cost $ 447,597 – an average of $ 9,947 each – with the bulk of the funding coming from the county’s capital project fund. Around $ 50,000 is said to come from a government grant.
“When tourists come, it will help them guide them, it will be easier for them,” Commissioner Jim Harvey said Tuesday as district officials approved a revised version of the contract with sign maker Graphic House Inc. of Wausau, Wisconsin, Through the Installing more directional signs, he also hopes to solve congestion problems.
Some of the signs are blue with brown flourishes, according to renderings by Tangram Design, a company that supports the county, a contrast to the more typical green directional signs and brown signs intended to convey tourist information. “These signs are definitely above the average road signage,” said Scott Perkes, planner in Weber County’s Planning Department.
Illustration of some of the suggested directional signs to be placed in the Ogden Valley. Weber County’s officers approved the revised contract for the $ 447,597 drawing plan on Tuesday, May 25, 2021.
As some are posted along roads and others along paths, the signage is intended for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, whether residents or visitors. Tangram Design’s renderings show signage directing the public to a number of locations – locations in Huntsville, the Pineview Loop path around portions of Pineview Reservoir, Pineview Reservoir beaches, the area’s three ski areas, and much more.
“The signs provide information about the valley’s landmarks, destinations, locations and routes throughout the valley. They are not specifically intended for visitors, but they definitely help visitors find their way around,” said Perkes.
Harvey noted that the city of Ogden already has a fair amount of signage directing motorists to landmarks like the Ogden Amphitheater, Peerys Egyptian Theater, and Union Station.
The signs are currently being manufactured. Initial delivery is scheduled for paths expected in early June and installation, at least some, shortly thereafter. Road signs are due to come later and to be installed over the next two summers.
Graphic House’s proposal turned down another bid and the price tags that arose from two previous bid proposal requests that were rejected by county officials. “We placed bids in 2018 and 2019 and got bids back that were twice the price of the current contract. We’ve worked with our design consultant for the past two years to cut fat and create a product that is closer to budget,” so Perkes said.
In addition to the 45 signs OK by the County Commissioners, there will be more signs – 101 more for roads in the Ogden Valley and 66 more for pedestrians and cyclists. However, the implementation of the full plan depends on securing funding. Perkes said the county staff will be looking for grant funds to help in future stages.
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