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Ogden/Weber State University Project Study S.R. 224 Transit Project History March 2021

Introduction Project Background 2018 AA Study Process Screening the Universe of This summary describes the process by The AA process focused on S.R. 224 In conjunction with the partners, the study Technology Options which a Locally Preferred Alternative between Kimball Junction and Park ’s team developed evaluation criteria based (Level 1 Screening)

(LPA) was recommended during the 2018 historic Old Town and included a on the AA’s purpose, goals, and The partners analyzed the universe of Valley to Mountain Alternatives Analysis terminus at a future Bonanza Arts and objectives that was then used to screen a possible technologies in an effort to (AA) Study. Culture Transit Center located at Kearns wide variety of transit technology options reduce the technology options to two or Boulevard and Bonanza Drive. The study for S.R. 224 between Kimball Junction The AA study evaluated the benefits, three of the most feasible and prudent built on the successful and forward- and downtown Park City. costs, and impacts of implementing a options. The following universe of transit thinking introduction of the Electric high-frequency on State Route Once the transit technology options were technology options was analyzed: Xpress bus service that currently (S.R.) 224, the main highway into the screened, the study team conducted a between the Kimball Junction and Old  Hybrid/ heart of Park City, Utah. second screening to determine the Town transit centers, making it even better  Rapid streetcar/ transit footprint within the S.R. 224 corridor for by introducing transit-only lanes to further the transit solution’s alignment.  Aerial transit ease the problems of congestion, vehicle o backing, delay, and poor time The study team then evaluated the costs o reliability on S.R. 224. and benefits of the remaining technology options combined with the various  Automated guideway transit Electric Xpress alignment configurations to determine the o best alternative to recommend as the LPA. o Group rapid transit

The study was led by Summit County in  High-speed rail cooperation with several project partners (the partners) including Park City, the Utah o Rapid rail transit (magnetic levitation) Department of Transportation (UDOT), o and the (UTA) to o The Route 10 (White) Electric Xpress identify a transit alternative that best bus started service in June 2017 and is meets the transportation needs of the local Screening Technology and the first free, electric, battery-powered community. express bus route in the nation— Alignment Options (Level 2 Screening) Study Area embodying Summit County’s and Park City’s commitments to energy The study team used a collaborative, The study area is located in the efficiency and sustainability. The service iterative process, based on discussions communities of Snyderville and Park City provided 385,255 trips during its first with the partner steering committee and in Summit County, Utah, located in the 10 months of service. input from the public, to narrow, or Wasatch Mountains 30 miles east of Salt The route is intended to offer a 10-to- screen, the initial universe of technology Lake City. S.R. 224 is a state highway that 15-minute trip via S.R. 224 directly options to the two most promising options serves as one of only two regional points between the Old Town Transit Center and for S.R. 224. These two technology of entry into Park City and serves several the Kimball Junction Transit Center. options were: other key destinations including Canyons However, recent data show that, because Village at Park City, the Utah Olympic  Hybrid/electric (BRT) of on S.R. 224, the Park, Swaner EcoCenter, and the Kimball  Rapid streetcar/light rail transit (LRT) Electric Xpress has only a 66% on-time Junction commercial center. performance.

Next, the study team considered the refined during the environmental Project Process and Public Outreach footprint for three potential alignments: review process. down the center of, running on one side The total alignment of the LPA is just of, or running on both sides of S.R. 224. over 7 miles with six potential stop The AA process was collaborative effort The study team analyzed the benefits, locations: the Kimball Junction transit among the partners. Key staff from each costs, and impacts of BRT and rapid center area, the Canyons Village at Park partner entity joined the project steering streetcar/LRT in the S.R. 224 corridor for City, Bobsled Boulevard, Thaynes committee that met throughout the AA the various alignment configurations. Canyon Drive, the A-Fresh Market on process to guide the project. The process Park Avenue, and the Old Town Transit Screening Summary also included coordination with local Center. The LPA consists of dedicated policy groups and outreach to the By looking at two technology options and transit lanes on both sides of S.R. 224 that community at large. three potential alignments, the study team operate with the direction of traffic. Two formal online public meetings were evaluated various alternatives. Each held during each of the Level 1 and alternative’s benefits, costs, and impacts Current Study Level 2 screening phases as well as an were comparatively evaluated against As one of the earlier steps on the way to open-house-format public meeting and a those of each other alternative. implementing a transitway, the AA small focus group discussion during process studied the S.R. 224 corridor at a This evaluation demonstrated that BRT on Level 2 screening. fairly high level. Now, the partners, in both sides of S.R. 224 was the strongest The goals of the public and agency cooperation with the Federal Transit alternative. Public feedback from two involvement process were to have an Administration, are preparing an online public meetings, an open house, informed local community and environmental document through the and a focus group supported this government leadership to help make National Environmental Policy Act conclusion. decisions regarding the recommendation (NEPA) process to evaluate any Locally Preferred and implementation of an LPA. environmental, social, and economic impacts of the LPA. Alternative Stakeholders had an opportunity to direct Recommendation the project purpose as well as review and Robust public and agency outreach will comment on the proposed transit continue during the environmental review After reviewing the screening results and technology and alignment alternatives at phase. The expected impacts of the project receiving feedback from the partner key milestones during the study. will be disclosed for the long-term steering committee and the public during operation of each alternative and for the Overall, people felt that congestion on the AA process, the partners unanimously short-term construction period. Measures S.R. 224 is a primary issue in the recommended BRT on both sides of to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any community that should be addressed. S.R. 224 as the LPA. adverse impacts will be identified, The majority of stakeholders who evaluated, and adopted as appropriate. Since the AA process, Summit County participated in the public meetings and Park City have reconsidered the believed that better transit service will Bonanza Drive terminus and would prefer Park City Transit’s existing fleet of help solve congestion and mobility to move the southern terminus to the Old electric would continue to be used issues in the project study area. Town Transit Center to mirror the full, for the project. current extent of the Electric Xpress/ 10 White service and support a year-round The LPA would have the following destination to Park City’s Old Town. The approximate costs: LPA and operational details along the  Capital cost: $50.3 million mainline and at each terminus will be  Operating cost: $3 million