TODAY, WE COVER…

• Dakota Pacific public meetings
  
• Ure Ranch Open House Recap 
  
• Community Planning Lab Application Deadline Extension 
  
• Mental Health Survey
  
• Radon Awareness Month
  

DAKOTA PACIFIC DISCUSSIONS

On Tuesday, County Council resumed talks with Dakota Pacific Real Estate as part of a 6-month pause in litigation. Discussions on Tuesday and Thursday centered around transportation and traffic in the area.

UDOT’s study of the I-80 and SR-224 interchange at Kimball Junction and SR-224 from Kimball Junction through Ute Boulevard and Olympic Parkway were a main focus of the conversation, including the following proposals to the area:

• Alternative A: split-diamond interchange and intersection improvements
  
• Alternative B: grade-separated intersections with one-way frontage roads to the I-80 interchange
  
• Alternative C:  intersection improvements with pedestrian enhancements
  
• Other reasonable alternatives (if identified during the EIS process)
  

Alternative A would include a split-diamond interchange and intersection improvements. Some key characteristics highlighted by UDOT include: splitting traffic coming off I-80 so vehicles could exit earlier (near the outlets at landmark drive) or continue on frontage roads to stay on SR 224. The roundabout on landmark drive would become a traffic signal, and, finally, there would be a midblock undercrossing between Ute and Olympic for pedestrians who want to cross 224. This alternative would reduce traffic on 224 by serving the activity centers on the west side of 224. Alternative A is estimated to cost roughly $90M. 

Alternative B would include grade-separated intersections with one-way frontage roads to the I-80 interchange. Some key characteristics highlighted by UDOT include: having through lanes from I-80 go underneath the Ute and Olympic intersections while frontage roads provide access to businesses on each side of 224. The deck cover/park was removed from previous alternative B to accommodate the new design. Finally, moving the pedestrian undercrossing south down SR 224. This alternative would see the best travel speeds along the corridor. Alternative B is estimated to cost roughly $162M. 

Alternative C has similar characteristics to Alternative A. C would include intersection improvements with pedestrian enhancements. It would add more lanes in each direction along SR 224 and include dual left turning lanes for all signal approaches, and, finally, it would include a pedestrian midblock undercrossing between Ute and Olympic. Alternative C would create the least amount of traffic queuing onto I-80 which is dangerous for travelers. The estimated cost for Alternative C is roughly $35M. 

Council asked UDOT to come back to the table with an explanation of what Alternatives A and C combined would look like. The Council also felt as though Alternative B had too large of a footprint, too much pavement added, and the crossing at Ute was too far. County staff are interested in working with UDOT to redesign Alternative B to narrow its footprint.  

The Kimball Junction process is still ongoing. We will have a public comment period in late spring to hear what the community thinks. Our listeners can learn more about what happens moving forward and about these proposed alternatives at https://kimballjunctioneis.udot.utah.gov/. 

The Dakota Pacific Public meetings resume next week on Thursday, February 1 at the Richins Building, tentatively scheduled for 3 p.m. The topic of that meeting will be a recap of Transportation followed by Residential Density. Visit summitcounty.org for the Zoom link and updated times and topics for all Dakota Pacific meetings as they become available.

URE RANCH RECAP

On Monday, January 22nd, the County Lands and Natural Resources Department hosted an Open House for the Ure Ranch Property. Over 130 attendees read about the purchase and contributed their ideas and feedback in this first round of public input. For those who missed the in-person event, there is an online opportunity to contribute thoughts through an interactive map at: summitcounty.info/ureranch. On that same site, you can subscribe to stay up to date on future community engagement events related to this land use planning project.

COMMUNITY PLANNING LAB APPLICATION DEADLINE

There’s still time to apply for the SPRING 2024 Community Planning Lab, a 10-week course that can help YOU understand the processes that drive local planning and land use policy decisions here in Summit County.

The deadline to apply has been extended to Wednesday, February 7. Learn more and apply at summitcounty.org/planninglab.

MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY 

Every two years, the Summit County Health Department asks the community to complete a mental health assessment. The results of the assessment help guide efforts to improve the healthcare of our residents. Have your voice and needs heard by filling out the survey today at summitcountyhealth.org/survey. The deadline to participate is February 16.

RADON AWARENESS

In case you missed it, January is Radon Awareness Month! Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced from the breakdown of Uranium in the soil. Radon enters the air of homes through cracks, pipes or ventilation.

The Summit County Health Department is offering $10 radon test kits for you to sample the air where you live. The more people that participate, the better  Summit County can track high areas of radon in our community. 

Visit any Summit County Health Department location in Kamas, Coalville or Park City to pick up your test kit today! If you have questions, contact the Health Department at 435-333-1511 or visit summitcountyhealth.org.