Traffic study reveals safety gaps in UDOT project on 224 near Ute Boulevard

The Summit County Council meeting held on February 8, 2023, focused on discussions surrounding traffic management and safety assessments related to ongoing UDOT projects. The council reviewed potential treatments that could enhance traffic flow, particularly the addition of a northbound through lane on State Route 224. While this option was noted for its potential benefits, it was clarified that it is not part of the proposed mitigation measures for the current project.

Council members expressed concerns regarding the anticipated outcomes of the project, specifically the expectation of failing intersections on 224 despite the proposed mitigations. A critical point raised was the absence of a thorough safety assessment in the traffic study, particularly regarding existing crash patterns. Members highlighted the need for an analysis of left-turning crashes at Ute Boulevard, which had not been adequately addressed in the peer review process.

The discussion also included insights from the fair and peer teams, who clarified that the traffic model used was developed by UDOT and is considered reliable. However, there were concerns about the lack of evaluation for certain scenarios, such as Saturday traffic and projections for the next 20 years. The council acknowledged that the county had specific parameters for the traffic study, which were met, but emphasized the importance of further analysis to ensure comprehensive safety evaluations.

Additionally, recommendations were made to quantify performance measures like queuing and travel time, which could provide tangible evidence of traffic conditions and improvements as the project progresses. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of addressing these safety concerns to prevent exacerbating existing traffic issues in the area.