Council approves UDOT access application for proposed Alpine Gateway commercial concept

The Daniel Town Council voted July 6 to authorize staff to file a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) access-permit application for a future signalized intersection intended to serve the proposed Alpine Gateway commercial concept along Highway 40.

Developer Jared Davis described the plan as conceptual and said potential uses could include a gas station and a hotel, but tenants are not finalized. "Our ambition is pure," Davis said, adding he expects the project to add tax base and visitor accommodations while attempting to respect the area's rural character. He also explained UDOT spacing rules for signalized intersections and the need to fit the new signal into the agency's access-spacing and priority schedule.

Town staff explained that filing the permit application helps place the project on UDOT's priority list; UDOT would construct any signalized intersection that is approved and funded. Council members asked about road alignment, access points, truck and trailer accommodation and potential frontage-road needs; the developer said internal site design can accommodate truck maneuvers and that some alignment details will depend on future UDOT review.

Council moved and seconded a motion to authorize the application process; the motion passed on a recorded vote. Staff will proceed with the UDOT application and continue coordination with the developer and UDOT on signal location and access design.

The Alpine Gateway concept was previously reviewed and noted in the Planning Commission minutes as an approximately 6.5-acre commercial concept along Highway 40 with traffic and buffering concerns identified.