UDOT presents plan for added eastbound I-80 lane near Kimball Junction

The Park Record reported that the Utah Department of Transportation presented plans Tuesday night to add a 12-foot eastbound merge lane on I-80 from Kimball Junction to Silver Summit. The project covers eastbound I-80, the ramp to eastbound U.S. 40 and U.S. 40 to Silver Summit. It is estimated to cost $14 million to $17 million, uses state and federal funding, and is expected to begin construction in spring after design wraps up this year. ^[1]

UDOT's analysis projected morning peak travel time on the stretch in 2050 at 12.3 minutes at 14 mph without the project and about 3 minutes at 62 mph with it. The work also includes new overhead signs, drainage and lighting improvements and a camera to monitor snow on the westbound U.S. 40 to I-80 flyover. ^[1]

A noise study looked at 337 properties, and seven noise walls were evaluated. UDOT said affected homeowners will vote on whether they want the walls, and the project cost varies with how many are built. Kamas resident Fred Reynolds said the project would ease his commute. Other attendees raised concerns about merging, light pollution and pedestrian and bicycle safety. ^[1]