Mill Creek Canyon in Salt Lake City is easily one of the most popular canyons for outdoor recreation in Utah. From hiking to mountain biking, cycling and cross-country skiing, Mill Creek sees its fair share of uses, and is under constant pressure from the huge amounts of people who drive up the canyon. In response to the high demand and conflicts between user groups, Salt Lake County has initiated the Mill Creek Canyon Transportation Feasibility Study to analyze and address a range of issues facing the canyon.
On Monday, April 30th, there will be a public open house where Mill Creek Canyon users are invited to participate and discuss ideas for potential solutions to canyon traffic. The main problem is that the road that winds up to the Big and Little Water areas at the head of the canyon is narrow and can barely accommodate the amount of traffic it sees on a daily basis.
The study is happening thanks in part to the fact that Salt Lake County got a federal grant to study transportation alternatives in Mill Creek Canyon. According to the Mill Creek Canyon Transportation Feasibility Study, issues facing the canyon that will addressed include: parking congestion and overflow, connectivity between parking areas and trailheads, accommodating recreational cyclists, and pedestrian safety at activity centers throughout the canyon.
The purpose of the Mill Creek Canyon Transportation Feasibility Study is to identify ways to manage transportation demand in Mill Creek Canyon, and enhance multi-modal (transit, bicycle, and pedestrian) connections. The study will include an analysis of travel demand, safety, environmental concerns, visitation needs and patterns, jurisdictional plans, and other elements.
The open house will happen on Monday, April 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Salt Lake City REI in the Wasatch Room.
For more information, go to www.millcreektransportation.com.