Intersection at Kimball Junction to become a four-way stop

The intersection of Ute Boulevard and Highland Drive at Kimball Junction will soon become a four-way stop.

“We’re going to do everything we can to make the transition as safe as possible,” said Kent Wilkerson, a Summit County traffic engineer.

Flashing red lights on the new signs will warn motorists on Highland Drive to stop. The area is currently a two-way stop and citizens have complained that the intersection is unsafe.

“My wife about got waxed there,” Summit County Councilman Chris Robinson said.

There are currently stop signs on Ute Boulevard. But signs are also needed on Highland Drive so traffic at the intersection will stop in four directions, critics say.

“I’ve run that stop sign twice not knowing it was there,” County Councilwoman Sally Elliott said.

There are near misses as drivers blow by the intersection as people are trying to cross the street.

Making the intersection a four-way stop will increase the sight distance for drivers, according to Wilkerson.

“The whole point is, what’s safest for the intersection,” Wilkerson said.

About five traffic accidents have been reported at the intersection in the past three years, he said.

“We don’t have any fatalities,” Wilkerson said.

The speed limit in the area is 25 mph and about 5,500 vehicles travel through that intersection each day.

“Traffic is still increasing, even in this economy, at that location,” Wilkerson said. “We have conflicts there but it’s because it’s a tight pedestrian intersection.”