Health warnings to target corridor

The Sierra Club, local doctors, concerned mothers and transit groups will be going door to door Saturday in West Valley City to warn residents about possible health problems from the Mountain View Corridor.

Mountain View is a proposed eight-lane freeway that would run from I-80 in western Salt Lake County into northwest Utah County. The $2 billion highway will run near several homes, businesses and some schools.

Marc Heileson, regional representative of the Sierra Club, said he has seen studies that show children who live next to freeways are at risk for health problems, including asthma and cancer, related to air toxins. The Sierra Club and other groups are asking that the state study mass transit as an alternative to Mountain View.

"The groups believe a transit network is key to providing more transportation options that will help clean up our air and protect Utah's kids," a news release said.

People interested in walking door to door with the Sierra Club and others should meet at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Hunter Park pavilion, 3600 South and 6000 West. The pavilion is located behind Whittier Elementary.