The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to improve transportation-related safety and mobility at the I-80 and SR-224 interchange and on SR-224 from Kimball Junction through the Olympic Parkway intersection. After evaluating the information in this Draft EIS, the project file, and public and agency input to date, UDOT has identified Alternative C: Intersection Improvements with Pedestrian Enhancements as the preferred alternative. UDOT held a public comment period from March 14 to April 28, 2025, on the Draft EIS.
Study Overview
UDOT’s mission is to keep Utah moving while enhancing quality of life through transportation improvements in our state. UDOT is conducting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to improve regional and local mobility at the Interstate 80 (I-80) and SR-224 interchange at Kimball Junction and on SR-224 from Kimball Junction through the Olympic Parkway intersection in Summit County, Utah.
The purpose of the EIS is to address transportation-related mobility for all users of the Kimball Junction area. The alternatives being carried forward in the EIS include:
- Taking no action
- Alternative A: split-diamond interchange and intersection improvements
- Alternative C: intersection improvements with pedestrian enhancements
Study Area
The needs assessment evaluation area includes the I-80 and SR-224 interchange at Kimball Junction and SR-224 from Kimball Junction through the two at-grade intersections on SR-224 at Ute Boulevard and Olympic Parkway. The evaluation area also extends from milepost (MP) 143.2 to MP 145.6 on I-80.
Current Phase
Revised: 4/29/25
Draft EIS Published and Identifies Alternative C as Preferred Alternative
UDOT has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to improve transportation-related safety and mobility at the I-80 and SR-224 interchange and on SR-224 from Kimball Junction through the Olympic Parkway intersection. After evaluating the information in this Draft EIS, the project file, and public and agency input to date, UDOT has identified Alternative C: Intersection Improvements with Pedestrian Enhancements as the preferred alternative.
Key features of Alternative C include:
- I-80 Ramps: Additional lane to the eastbound off-ramp to SR-224 and a dedicated right turn lane to southbound SR-224, and an additional lane on the eastbound on-ramp from SR-224.
- SR-224 Intersections: Improvements at Ute Boulevard and Olympic Parkway, including added turn lanes, additional through travel lanes, and bike lanes.
- Roundabout & Local Roads: A second lane was added to the southern approach of Ute Boulevard/Landmark Drive roundabout, and a new lane from SR-224 on Newpark Boulevard to the Olympic Parkway roundabout.
- Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvements: New east-west pedestrian underpass under SR-224 near Ute Boulevard, new buffered bike lanes from Olympic Parkway to Rasmussen Road, and trail connections to the pedestrian undercrossing.
Benefits of Alternative C:
- Greatest reduction in travel delay and faster travel speeds in the study area during AM & PM peak periods
- All intersections in the study area would operate at acceptable levels of service
- Shortest I-80 off-ramp vehicle queue lengths
- More reasonable expenditure of funds for the anticipated operational benefits
PUBLIC HEARINGS
As part of the Draft EIS process, we held public hearings on April 8 and April 10, 2025, to gather input from the community.
At the in-person hearing, attendees were able to review study materials, speak with study team members in an open house format, and provide verbal comments to a court reporter, provide a written comment, or make a statement during the hearing. The virtual hearing was held on Zoom with a presentation followed by a verbal public comment period.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
UDOT held a 45-day public comment period from March 14 to April 28, 2025, to get your feedback on the Draft EIS Report. We have collected all questions and comments submitted throughout the public comment period and will take them into consideration moving forward.
The project team has been coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies throughout the study and will continue to do so as the study progresses.
Study Process and Timeline
The anticipated project timeline outlines the development phases of the Kimball Junction EIS. Ongoing engagement with the public will take place during the estimated time periods to keep the community informed during the EIS process.
The study team is following the EIS process established by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This includes:
- Gathering input from the public, agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Establishing a purpose and need for the project.
- Developing a broad range of potential transportation solutions.
- Evaluating environmental impacts of those proposed solutions.
- Selecting an alternative that best meets the needs.
Submit Comment
Complete the form below to submit a comment and/or receive project updates. An email address must be provided in order to receive project updates but is not required to submit a comment.
Comments provided to the project team will be reviewed and considered by UDOT as it develops the project. All comments received will be documented in the project record. The study team will contact you if they need additional information or clarification.
Comments provided during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to UDOT are a matter of public record and subject to public release, if requested. For more information, see the Terms of Use at the bottom of the Utah.gov website.
Comments that are publicly displayed through online tools must follow our UDOT Social Media Policy Participant Code of Conduct. Comments that are unacceptable under that policy may be removed at the administrator’s discretion.
Contact Us
For more information on the UDOT environmental study underway in the Kimball Junction area and to share your ideas, please contact the project team through one of the ways listed below.
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by UDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by Federal Highway Administration and UDOT.
