Developers project 8-10 years for complete build out amid traffic concerns in Summit County

The Summit County Council meeting on February 22, 2023, focused heavily on the implications of a proposed development project, particularly concerning traffic congestion and its impact on the community. Council members expressed significant frustration over existing traffic issues, with concerns that the development could exacerbate these problems.

During the meeting, developers outlined a timeline for the project, indicating that construction for the first phase could begin within a year, with potential residents moving in approximately three years later. The total build-out is projected to take between eight to ten years. However, council members highlighted that traffic on State Route 224 is already projected to fail by 2028, regardless of the new development. They emphasized that the community's primary concern is the inability to handle increased traffic, questioning how the developers plan to mitigate these impacts.

Developers acknowledged the challenges, stating that while they have proposed some temporary solutions, such as adding a northbound lane on SR 224, they cannot fully resolve the regional traffic issues. They noted that the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) would need to be involved in any significant changes, which complicates the process.

Another critical point raised was the management of construction traffic. Council members asked about strategies to minimize disruptions during the building phase. Developers explained that while they aim to explore various construction methodologies to expedite the process, they cannot guarantee specific restrictions on truck traffic due to the need for efficient project completion.

Additionally, discussions touched on connectivity to the Eastern Kimbells Junction, with suggestions for utilizing existing county parcels to improve access. However, the developers expressed reluctance to consider selling the parcel in question, indicating a preference to explore development opportunities instead.

The meeting underscored the tension between community concerns over traffic and the developers' plans, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue as the project progresses. The council's focus on traffic management reflects broader concerns about infrastructure and community impact as Summit County continues to grow.