The Eastern Summit County Planning Commission convened on February 29, 2024, to discuss critical developments impacting traffic and infrastructure in the region, particularly concerning the Red Hills project and its implications for Hoytsville Road.

The meeting began with inquiries about the projected timeline for the Red Hills development, which is a partnership involving Ivory Homes. While specific dates were not provided, it was noted that the traffic study for the area has accounted for approximately 250 units from the Red Hills project. Concerns were raised regarding the potential traffic impact, especially as the first two phases of the project could introduce around 600 units.

Commission members expressed apprehension about Hoytsville Road's capacity to handle increased traffic, drawing comparisons to Heber City, which has faced significant congestion issues. One member highlighted that a typical two-lane road can accommodate about 13,000 trips per day, questioning whether Hoytsville Road could sustain similar traffic levels without significant upgrades.

The discussion shifted to the proposed traffic management strategies. It was suggested that instead of widening Hoytsville Road, the plan would involve creating additional north-south connections to alleviate congestion. This approach aims to maintain the rural character of the area while managing traffic flow through the introduction of parallel roads.

Despite these proposals, some commission members remained skeptical, arguing that the existing infrastructure may not support the anticipated traffic increases. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of widening Hoytsville Road within the current right-of-way, with doubts expressed about the adequacy of the proposed solutions.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution on the traffic management plan, but it underscored the ongoing debate about balancing development with infrastructure capacity in Eastern Summit County. Further discussions and evaluations are expected as the planning process continues.