Federal Lands Access Program - Upper Mill Creek Canyon
Proposed Roadway Improvements from Winter Gate to Big Water Trailhead
The Project
The Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) improves transportation facilities owned or maintained by a non-federal agency providing access to, adjacent to, or located within federal lands. There is an emphasis on high-use recreational sites and the FLAP funding supplements state and local resources for design and construction of transportation infrastructure. Visit Federal Lands Access Program for additional information.
Salt Lake County, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service Salt Lake Ranger District and the city of Millcreek, were awarded funding in the amount of $19,600,000 in 2021 for improvements. The required local match is $4,276,200.
Purpose and Need
- The existing roadway is distressed and eroding. This project will reconstruct the roadway.
- Inconsistent roadway width causes conflicts and safety concerns. This project will improve roadway width consistency and include a designated uphill bike lane where possible.
- Existing roadway conditions do not allow for an effective transit solution. The feasibility of a future transit option depends on the proposed improvements and considerations outside of the scope of this project.
- Poor sightlines and informal parking areas create a safety hazard. Roadway and parking redesign will formalize parking areas and improve safety.
- An underground conduit for future communication infrastructure will be installed that will allow emergency communication in upper parts of the canyon where there is currently no cell service.
