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Cottonwood Heights advances 30% design for Highland Trail Phase 3, eyes property acquisition and grants
Summary
City staff described a 30% preliminary design for Highland Trail Phase 3 (Fort Union to I‑215) to study right‑of‑way needs, pedestrian safety and intersection improvements; staff said the city could contribute roughly $35,000 in match and pursue county corridor grants once design identifies property to buy.
Cottonwood Heights staff presented a preliminary design scope on Jan. 21 for Highland Trail Phase 3, a connector from Fort Union to I‑215 that would run primarily on the west side of Highland Drive and address pedestrian safety at the Highland/LaCresta intersection.
The project will fund a 30% level of design to identify property needs and evaluate intersection and trail alignment alternatives, said the city’s public works presenter. “This only gets us 30% on the way there,” staff said, adding the phase includes environmental analysis and property identification.
Staff told the council the design work prepares the city to apply for external funds. The presenter said the bid expected a roughly $130,000 grant portion while the city’s contribution would be about $35,000 drawn from the engineering budget. “We are contributing to and getting a $130,000 paid for through the grant,” the presenter said.
Council members pressed staff on where right‑of‑way acquisitions would occur; staff said the needed take is likely along the east edge of the Whole Foods parking area rather than the Highland frontage road. Staff also described aesthetic plans to widen the narrow sidewalk, slim the frontage lane, and add a sustainable landscaping plan to replace failing plantings.
Mayor Mike Wickers and staff discussed Salt Lake County corridor preservation funds as another potential source, but staff emphasized that the city must have defined design and property‑buying plans before grant application. Staff recommended returning with refined drawings and potential grant applications after completing the preliminary technical work.
The council did not take a formal vote on the item at the work session. The matter was described as ready to move forward if council so directs; council members requested follow‑up materials including funding details and grant timelines.
