LATEST NOTICE (1/16/26): Lane closure on SR-39 on weekdays, Mon - Fri | 1/19 - 2/20 | 8am - 5pm | Expect a short distance one-way alternating traffic zone with flaggers. 5 min. delays with up to 10 min. during peak commuter periods. More details in schedule below.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Ogden City is replacing a critical 36-inch diameter water transmission pipeline that conveys water from the City’s wellfield adjacent to Pineview Reservoir, through Ogden Canyon, and to the City’s 23rd Street reservoirs. This pipeline has served Ogden City well for nearly 100 years and needs to be replaced. The project will be completed in multiple phases between 2025 and 2029. Ogden City has selected Sunrise Engineering as the design engineer for the project and Whitaker Construction as the CMGC contractor for the project. As design and planning of the project proceeds, additional outreach will take place with residents of Ogden Canyon who will be impacted by this project. Information regarding anticipated timing for construction of the phases of the project will be provided on this website. If you have specific questions regarding the project, please feel free to reach out to our public involvement team using the contact information on this website.
IN THE NEWS
FAQ
Can I expect water service interruptions?
As the watermain replacement traverses through the canyon, brief interruptions are possible. However, The Ogden Canyon is primarily served by a 24-inch water pipeline. This pipeline is part of the Ogden City water transmission network, which transports treated water to Ogden and surrounding areas through the canyon. The 36-inch pipeline typically serves larger trunkline purposes, carrying water to a broader distribution network or for other high-capacity needs outside of the canyon itself.
Will access to my property be restricted during construction?
Depending on the alignment of the pipeline and associated right of way, it may be necessary to limit the ability to enter at property access points. Please note that it is in our best interest to notify residents well in advance of such impacts. We will be actively coordinating with property owners and residents as the work progresses.
What are you doing to ensure crew, motorist and pedestrian safety in the construction zones?
For your safety, as well as the safety of crews working on the project, please use extra caution and stay clear of construction zones. In particular near areas with deep trenches during excavation. Businesses and residents in the area should anticipate increased noise, dust, and vibration associated with construction.
For pedestrian safety, please stay clear of construction equipment and work zones onsite. Pay attention to road closure signs and work areas zoned off by construction tape, barrels, cones or barricades. The pipeline will be replaced in sections, so as new pipeline is placed, excavated regions will be filled as quickly as possible.
Why is the 36 inch pipeline being replaced now?
This 6.4-mile-long pipeline carries drinking water from Ogden City's well field and treatment plant. When operating, the pipeline loses approximately 1 million gallons daily due to leaks. The project is expected to cost $100 million, funded through federal loans (via the EPA’s WIFIA program), state revolving loans, and other grants, including funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The replacement will address water losses, improve reliability, and contribute to water conservation efforts. For instance, the project is projected to save enough water over its lifetime to fill Pineview Reservoir three times. It also ties into ecological goals, such as providing additional water to the Great Salt Lake's Willard Spur to mitigate avian botulism outbreaks that harm local bird populations.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
* Schedule is subject to change due to weather and materials available
Ogden Canyon 2025 -2026 | Phase 1 Schedule Details
(UPDATED 01/21/26)
Work hours: Sunrise to Dusk, Mon-Fri. Work will never occur at night, unless due to emergent tasks.
Through May 1, 2026 (updated as of 1/20): Pipeline material will be delivered and brought over the river just east of the West Hermitage bridge. This transport work will be ongoing as necessary but has become far less frequent since January 5. When the loads arrive, they will come in bunches. Typically, 4 loads/day coming off SR-39, but only averaging 1 truck load/week(typically Tue/Wed). This will require brief road closures and coordination with UDOT. Pipe section will be hauled from this staging area over the river using a crane. Pipe sections will be lifted one at a time onto a large truck sitting on the ROW and transported to prescribed locations.
Pipeline Installation (Section 1) - Crews have recently moved just east of the Cobbles Community headed eastbound. Full access through the Cobbles bridge has been restored. Light duty trucks may be crossing the West Hermitage bridge occasionally.
Pipeline Installation (Section 2) - A second crew is installing pipeline just west of Valhalla moving west. This leg has crossed SR-39 on Jan. 14 and will continue westbound toward the Alaskan Inn.
Upcoming community-specific coordination will be delivered via email or text messaging services to local property owners. Please notify us if you prefer to opt-out of text messaging.
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January 22 - 23: Crew members will be walking through the Valhalla and Wildwood pipeline ROW to remove branches and tree limbs from private property onto the pipeline ROW. No light duty or heavy equipment necessary at this time.
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January 19 - February 20: 8am -5pm | Mon - Fri | Crews will be replacing the pipeline on SR-39 about midway through the canyon (near Gray Cliff Lodge) and continue to locations directly in front of the Alaskan Inn. During this time work will be in close proximity to SR-39. To ensure safety for motorists and crews, be prepared to stop and hold for one-way alternating traffic operations during the daytime operations. Plan on brief delays of up to 5 minutes (10 minutes during peak periods). Greatest delay potential on Tuesday and Wednesday during pipeline shipments. Please plan extra travel time and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
(Continuous): Geotechnical and pipeline survey work is ongoing. Crews will be on the pipeline ROW for potholing geolocating, soil analysis, and other pipeline replacement preparation work.
Community Coordination:
!! Please contact our public involvement team to add your contact information !!
Project team will be meeting with residents of each Ogden Canyon community to discuss/coordinate on pipeline replacement impacts, ROW needs, realignment, and other miscellaneous objectives.
Ogden City East Bench Start Date | TBA
Reservoir Crossing | Drilling Barge Coming to Pineview Reservoir to capture soil samples. CLICK HERE to see Press Release.
Work Days | Monday-Friday
Work Hours | Mostly Daylight hours, with occasional nighttime work
Estimated Completion | Spring 2029
