UDOT announces preferred $48.5M plan to ease Kimball Junction traffic

Alternative C Kimball Junction traffic mitigation plan. Photo: Utah Department of Transportation

PARK CITY, Utah — The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) today, selecting a $48.5 million improvement plan for the notoriously congested Kimball Junction area.

After evaluating multiple options, UDOT identified “Alternative C: Intersection Improvements with Pedestrian Enhancements” as its preferred solution to address traffic issues where Interstate 80 meets SR-224 in Summit County.

The plan promises significant traffic flow improvements with specific changes including additional lanes on I-80’s eastbound off-ramp, a third travel lane in both directions on SR-224 from Olympic Parkway to Ute Boulevard, extended turn lanes, and a new pedestrian undercrossing near Ute Boulevard.

According to UDOT’s analysis, Alternative C would reduce average southbound morning travel time from 11:30 minutes to just 3:15 minutes, increasing average speeds from 9 mph to 33 mph. The plan also reduces vehicle queue lengths on I-80 off-ramps from over 5,000 feet to approximately 400 feet.

“Alternative C provides the greatest reduction in travel delay and faster travel speeds in the study area during AM and PM peak periods,” UDOT stated in its documentation. The agency noted that all intersections in the study area would operate at acceptable levels of service under the plan.

UDOT selected Alternative C over the more expensive Alternative A, which would have cost approximately $123.9 million and featured a split-diamond interchange with intersection improvements.

Public hearings are scheduled for April 8 at Ecker Hill Middle School Auditorium and virtually via Zoom on April 10. The public comment period runs through April 28, with UDOT accepting feedback on the preferred alternative, its potential impacts, and proposed mitigation strategies.

“Today is also the start of the study’s public comment period and we encourage you to take a little time to review our recommendations and let us know what you think,” Utah Department of Transportation posted on a facebook post this morning.

For more information or to submit comments, residents can visit the project website.