Get ready for some traffic changes, Mill Creek Canyon enthusiasts. Starting May 1st, Salt Lake County is breaking ground on the Upper Mill Creek Canyon Road Improvement Project. A collaborative effort with the U.S. Forest Service and the Federal Highway Administration, the aim is to improve road safety, manage drainage and erosion, and make sure the canyon remains accessible for its many visitors. Ahead of this, construction crews will be doing bridge work in the Elbow Fork area just before the calendar flips to May.
For those itching to explore the outdoors during the seasons to come, be prepared for some adjustments. Throughout 2025 and 2026, the construction might dampen spirits as there will be no way for cars or folks on foot to get beyond the Winter Gate, but it's not all gloomy. The network of trails, including Pipeline and Upper Pipeline will still be open, ready to welcome hikers and bikers making their way through the canyon terrain, according to Salt Lake County.
For those who relish the chill of winter sports, the section above the Winter Gate is set to be groomed for your wintry recreational pursuits. When it comes to planning your excursions, Salt Lake County is advising that you plan, consider sharing rides, and have a gander at project and trail maps before you set out on your canyon adventure. All this info, and surely more, is yours to uncover at Salt Lake County's project page.
And if you're one to want the first scoop on a big project, mark your calendar for April 24th. Key players involved in shaping the canyon's future will be on site from 2 PM to 3 PM, ready to chat and offer up some visuals for the press. Names to expect include Helen Peters, Director of Regional Planning & Transportation for Salt Lake County, Millcreek City's own Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, Communications Director Rita Lund, and from the U.S Forest Service, Adam Shaw, District Ranger of the Salt Lake Ranger District, and Lance Kovel, their Special Projects Coordinator. They'll be dishing out insights on what this project will mean, the timeline, and the impacts it'll have for everyone involved.
