East Bench trail closures. Image courtesy of ogdencitypipeline.com (click on image to enlarge)

Pipeline project - Phase 2 Image courtesy of ogdencitypipeline.com (click on image to enlarge)

Ogden Canyon Water Pipeline Project Update
Updated 24 April 2026
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​Major infrastructure improvements are set to impact local commuters and outdoor enthusiasts as the Ogden Canyon 36-inch Water Transmission Pipeline Project enters its next phase. Beginning May 1, the 22nd Street Trailhead parking area will be closed to vehicles to serve as a mobilization and staging area for heavy equipment. City officials indicate the parking closure will remain in effect through November 1, though pedestrian access will be maintained at the trailhead. Hikers and bikers are encouraged to utilize alternate parking at the 27th and 29th Street trailheads during this period.
 
The pipeline replacement represents the city’s most significant water conservation effort this year. While access to major surrounding trail systems will generally remain open, the waterfall overlook trail near the mouth of Ogden Canyon will be impacted starting May 1 as construction begins. Project organizers noted that trail access will vary by phase through the autumn completion date, and various sections along active work regions will be closed to ensure public safety. Work is scheduled to take place Monday through Friday from sunrise to sunset, with Saturdays to be utilized only as needed.
 
Construction activity is currently concentrated in several key areas. Pipeline material for Phase 2 is entirely onsite, with salvaged pipeline loads still being offloaded at the Hermitage staging area east of the lower Hermitage bridge. This process, averaging one truckload per week, requires brief road closures and coordination with UDOT as pipe sections are lifted over the river one at a time using a crane. In Section 1, crews have recently moved just west of Hermitage and are approaching the west bridge. While full access through the Cobbles Bridge has been restored, light-duty trucks and backfill material may occasionally cross the West Hermitage and Fairmount bridges.
 
Further into the canyon, ground restoration is underway near the Alaskan Inn following the completion of pipeline installation in Section 2. Motorists in this area should expect short, one-way alternating traffic with delays of up to five minutes. In Section 3, installation continues within the Hermitage Community east of the lower bridge. Residents may find access to the west bridge restricted at times, during which the Upper Hermitage Bridge will serve as the designated detour. Emergency access will be accommodated throughout the construction process.
 
On the Ogden City East Bench, early clearing and grubbing work is slated to begin as early as May 1. Pipeline replacement in this region is expected to start in late May, beginning at the far north section. Additionally, geotechnical and survey work remains ongoing across the project area, involving soil analysis and potholing to prepare for further replacements. At Pineview Reservoir, a drilling barge has completed objectives to capture soil samples for a future reservoir crossing, the date for which has yet to be announced.
 
Community coordination remains a priority for the project team, with a walk-through for Hermitage residents planned for a date to be announced in May to discuss restoration options. Meetings with residents of additional Ogden Canyon communities are being scheduled to discuss right-of-way needs and realignment objectives. Local property owners can expect community-specific updates via email. The entire project is currently estimated for completion in the spring of 2029.
 
For more information, residents can find full details and updates at ogdencitypipeline.com.