Deep Canyon trailhead moves toward construction; county road improvements may be required for permit

Mendon City staff reported the Deep Canyon Trailhead project is moving into construction this month, but public-works and forest-service representatives told the council that county road standards could affect the trailhead’s timetable.

Landis Swaker, who identified himself as working with the Forest Service while presenting the project update, said the city must order a pit-vault toilet through the state contract with CXT (estimated 90–120 days delivery). Swaker said the project team is planning to use dirt excavated from the parking-lot footprint to build up an adjacent road; public works requested the dirt be placed on city property and asked that landowners be compensated if productive alfalfa is disturbed.

The project included a traffic-impact study the council reviewed. That study estimated a first-year peak-hour increase of about 30 vehicles (peak hour), which the consultant extrapolated to roughly 1,300 vehicles per day using a 10% peak-hour rule. The study concluded the intersection at the bottom of the access road will operate at an acceptable level of service with improved signage, but recommended monitoring 300 North for future widening if daily volumes approach 2,000 vehicles.

City engineer and public-works staff told the council they had received conflicting guidance from county staff about permitting. Landis reported that Matt Phillips (county road department) told project leaders the county would not grant a conditional-use permit unless road pinch points and culverts below the parking area were improved; city planning staff said the city cannot require county-standard improvements on city-owned road segments and that conditional-use permit authority rests with the county’s planning process. Council members directed staff to clarify which segments are county-owned and to follow up with the county’s Matt Phillips and Mendon planning staff.

Staff also highlighted logistics: if excavation fill is stored on city property, the public-works department would prefer it placed where it does not impede construction; private landowners who use the site for pasture or alfalfa said they expect compensation for lost productivity. The council and staff said they want the trailhead and restrooms to be completed together for a ribbon-cutting and are aiming for a fall opening if road and permitting issues are resolved.

Key details and next steps - Construction is scheduled to begin this month pending final items, including storage and county permit clarifications. - Pit-vault toilet ordered via CXT under the state contract; delivery estimated at 90–120 days. - Traffic study: projected about 1,300 vehicles per day in early years; monitor and plan to widen culverts/bridges if volume approaches 2,000 vehicles/day. - County road department may require road improvements before issuing a conditional-use permit for the trailhead; city staff will seek written clarification and explore timing and funding for possible road work.

Project proponents asked for prompt follow-up so construction and related partner work can proceed, and councilmembers asked staff to present a clear timeline and cost estimates for any road improvements before the next meeting.