Council approves hillside permit for SR‑18 interchange, directs developer to preserve trail access during work

The St. George City Council approved a hillside development permit for construction of a new interchange near milepost 7 on State Route 18 and directed the developer to work with staff on keeping the heavily used multiuse trail open during grading and on longer‑term trail alignment options.

Why it matters: The project alters steep slopes in a popular recreation corridor and the trail crossing at SR‑18 has been a long‑standing safety concern for residents and trail users. Council and staff said ensuring continuous, safe trail passage during construction is essential.

Staff and the applicant explained that the proposal uses an underpass rather than an overpass at this location because grades and rock outcroppings made an overpass less practical. The Hillside Review Board advised special attention to landscape aesthetics on cut slopes and to optimize cut slopes. Council approved the permit with a condition that the applicant develop both temporary trail accommodations during construction and explore a non–at‑grade permanent crossing (for example a bridge) with funding options that could include UDOT participation. City engineering staff and the applicant agreed to pursue temporary alignment options and to return details in subsequent permit or plan phases.

Quotations: "We did meet with the applicant... and essentially talked about various options and solutions that we could have to keep that trail open during all points of construction," staff said. Councilmember Steve Kemp moved approval, adding a condition to require both temporary and permanent trail solutions and to maintain trail access during construction.

Next steps: Staff will work with the applicant to define temporary trail detours and investigate permanent, non‑at‑grade crossing options and potential funding sources; specific trail design and funding will be resolved during later design and permitting stages.