I don’t need to convince anyone that typical rush hour traffic is often gridlocked on S.R. 224 and Kearns Boulevard.
I recently traveled to Atlanta and saw some interesting, easy solutions that could be implemented for this ski season. Yes, this ski season!
S.R. 224 is currently two lanes in each direction. Adding one additional lane in each direction during peak rush hours is a 50% increase in traffic capacity.
Georgia Route 400 has traffic signs permitting normal use of the shoulder lane during peak commuting hours.
I propose allowing all vehicles use of the bus-only lanes” into Park City from 6 until 11 a.m. daily. And from 2 until 7 p.m., the outbound bus-only lanes could be used by all vehicles.
The use of bus-only lanes for their designated purpose is a rarity. In the past five years I have probably only seen a bus in those lanes less than 10 times.
This same solution is applicable to Kearns Boulevard.
To implement this plan requires only the addition of signage to be attached over each bus-only sign. Signs could be made and installed very quickly.
The second somewhat more complicated solution is to create flex lanes with electronic signage over each lane. Flex lanes increase capacity during peak hours.
A single designated lane would be used for one lane direction and reversed for the opposite direction based on time of day and demand.
This alternative would require expert consultants and extended time periods, but flex lanes could be part of long-term solutions.
Norman Schwartz
Fort Lauderdale, Florida