Summit County's future pedestrian bridge over State Route 224 in Kimball Junction will take its inspiration from the surrounding mountains.
The Summit County Council selected the mountain-inspired Concept B on Oct. 21, advancing plans for a pedestrian crossing between Ute Boulevard and Olympic Parkway.
The bridge will connect the Altus Park City development, formerly known as Dakota Pacific, to businesses on the east side of Kimball Junction. The project is a partnership between Summit County and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).
The selected concept features angular steel supports forming two prominent peaks above the roadway. Unlike the curved arches of Concept A or the flatter structure of Concept C, the design creates a silhouette resembling a mountain range.
The county's three architectural renderings are preliminary. Officials caution that engineering requirements, building codes and materials could change the bridge's final appearance.
Survey favored mountain design
The county collected 847 responses to a public survey asking which of the three concepts people preferred.
About 46% selected Concept B, compared with 40% for Concept A and roughly 13% for Concept C. The results showed a clear preference for the mountain design over the flatter option, although the two leading concepts drew substantial support.
Residents also weighed in on the bridge's surroundings. Landscaping was the most popular feature among those offered in the survey, while weather protection, bicycle amenities and architectural lighting drew interest.
Written comments reflected disagreements about whether the bridge should stand out or blend into the landscape. Several respondents also questioned the need for another crossing because an existing pedestrian underpass serves the area.
Councilmembers directed staff to advance Concept B while incorporating guidance from the Summit County Public Art Advisory Board, according to TownLift's account of the Oct. 21 discussion.
Cost and construction
The bridge is estimated to cost between $15 million and $20 million, with the final amount dependent on detailed engineering.
UDOT expects to contribute approximately $4.5 million to $5 million, with Summit County responsible for the remaining costs. A cost-sharing agreement is expected to return to the council before Thanksgiving, TownLift reported.
The county previously secured a $1 million federal grant toward the project in March, according to KPCW.
The bridge is part of broader transportation improvements at Kimball Junction. Existing crosswalks at Ute Boulevard and Olympic Parkway are expected to be removed as the roadway project proceeds.
Design and engineering work are expected to continue through 2027. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028 and continue through 2030.
Summit County and UDOT will continue refining the selected concept before construction.
