Traffic committee proposes new lanes and tunnel at 224 Ute intersection

The Summit County Council held a special meeting on January 23, 2024, focusing on traffic improvements and safety measures in the area. A significant portion of the discussion centered around proposed changes to the road configurations, particularly on State Route 224.

Council members reviewed plans to address ongoing traffic issues, especially concerning through traffic and pedestrian safety. The proposal includes the addition of turn lanes at key intersections, specifically at Ute and Olympic, which would provide two left-hand turn lanes in all directions. However, there will be no new lanes added for northbound traffic from Ute or southbound traffic from Olympic, maintaining the current lane configurations.

A notable point of discussion was the introduction of a proposed pedestrian tunnel south of the Ute-224 intersection. This tunnel aims to enhance safety for pedestrians, as the current layout requires significant switchbacking to manage the grade. Council members expressed the need for this tunnel to be strategically placed to effectively serve the community's needs.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety in Summit County, with plans moving forward to implement these changes. Further discussions and evaluations will likely continue as the council seeks to finalize the details of the proposed improvements.