SECTION D
86th to 90th South
Description
This undeveloped section is about 8-9/10 of a mile. Much of it is in a county “island.” There is no trail or right-of-way, no crossing for 9000 South, and no connection to the completed trail through the River Oaks Golf Course. Currently, trail users must cross and travel along 700 West. They must also cross 9000 South to get to the trail continuing south along the river. Sandy City is working with Utah Department of Transportation to improve 700 West and 9000 South for trail users. The 9000 South intersection is very dangerous. The road is a four-lane highway with constant traffic traveling at speeds of 50 mph and faster. There are traffic lights at the intersection of 9000 South and 700 West. Sandy City proposes to locate the trail on the east side of 700 West (within their jurisdiction) which will require a pedestrian crossing and light on 700 West at about 8600 South.
A long-term option would be to build a tunnel under the 9000 South road bridge over the river. There is a large concrete storm drainage structure north of 9000 South on the east side of the river that would make a tunnel difficult on that side. West of the UP&L substation, as the road begins to climb out of the river bottom, would be a good place to tunnel under the road. The tunnel would line up with the surplus canal. However, this does not connect with the trail south of 9000 South, which is on the east side of the river. Trail users would still have to travel along 9000 South for a distance or a new trail would have to be constructed south of 9000 South on the west side of the river along the canal.
There are options for the trail to go on either the west or east side of the river between 8600 and 9000 South.
On the west side the Army Corp of Engineers plans to restore the highly channelized river to a meandering corridor. They are not amiable to trail development at this time. The trail would probably have to go far west of the river for a few blocks and then cross back to the east side. One option would be along the Surplus Canal from 9000 to approximately 8400 South. From here, following a ditch that runs east to the river is the shortest point between the canal and river. At this point, there would need to be a bridge across the river. This would then allow the trail to connect to the existing Jordan Parkway Trail coming from the north.
The east side of the river is land controlled by the Furbreeders Association. They do not want anyone on or near their property. However, The County could wait until this property eventually comes before the Planning Commission for development and require the developer to provide the trail. What needs to be done
• The County wants to wait until the property on the east side of the river, north of 9000 South, comes before the Planning Commission for development and require the developer to provide the trail.
• Sandy City may build a temporary trail along the shoulder of 700 West. However, this will be on the east side, requiring users to cross 700 West twice.
• The County and cities need to work with UDOT to design and build a crossing at 9000 South.
• Sandy City will complete the section on the south of 9000 South, going westward from 700 West, to connect to the trail section going south into the golf course.
• Cost needs to be estimated.
• No determination has been made for funding of trail construction.
Concerns and Issues
• Difficulties obtaining rights-of-way from land owners.
• Design and construction of 9000 South crossing.
• Funding.
Public Input
Most respondents ranked this section as high, but some gave it a medium priority.
Priority: high (1) – low (9) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
7 |
Number of Responses |
16 |
13 |
11 |
9 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Summary of Public Comment
A couple of comments expressed desire to have continuation of the trail with at least a path along 7th West. Once again, we run into a UP&L substation. This section is slated as a Corps of Engineers project which might include a trail.
West Jordan recently passed a $4 million bond issue for trails and open space - is this section going to benefit?
Wetland & Wildlife Habitat - None identified, although there are many birds along both the river and the canal. There are several nesting boxes along the canal. There are no wetlands identified. I would add that there is limited value for wildlife at this super fund site. Non-native mature bullfrogs were observed in a ditch on the east side of the river.
RECOMMENDATION
• It is impossible to estimate when the land north of 9000 South will become available for the long-term trail route.
• In the meantime, the temporary solution along 700 West should be built.
• Sandy City can work with UDOT to improve 700 West and 9000 South and plan the 9000 South crossing.
• Sandy City can complete the gap in the trail on the south side of 9000 South.
• The County and Cities can work on the design and cost estimates for the trail.
Click links below to view maps
Map 1 |
