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UDOT updates Grand County on Hwy 128 trail‑gap design; construction likely in winter 2026
Summary
UDOT project manager Brett Hatfield told the commission the Colorado River Trail Gap project on Highway 128 is in design with a $12.5 million budget (roughly $10M state trails funding and $2.5M federal BLM/Bureau of Recreation funding). Design completion is expected in February 2025; environmental and seasonal restrictions likely push construction into winter 2026.
UDOT presented a design update May 6 on the Colorado River Trail Gap project along Highway 128, describing plans to close approximately 0.7 miles of trail gap with retaining walls and a separated multi‑use corridor.
Project manager Brett Hatfield said the current project budget is $12.5 million, about $10 million of which is from the state trails network funding and roughly $2.5 million from a federal bureau/BLM pot routed through UDOT. The design team (Horrocks Engineering) is preparing plan, specs and estimates; staff expect design completion in February 2025 and environmental baseline and permitting steps to follow.
Hatfield emphasized a key constraint: the BLM restricted in‑river or riparian work during the bird‑ and fish‑sensitive season, effectively limiting construction windows between March and August. "So right now our plan is not to start construction until 2026 because of those restrictions," he said, noting the county and project partners are exploring monitoring or mitigation that might allow an earlier start if permitted.
Design elements include 11–12 foot trail widths with a one‑foot buffer and a curb separation from road traffic rather than a guardrail on the project curves. The team is considering visual and safety features such as rub rails and mesh panels similar to adjacent trail sections.
What’s next: UDOT will continue design, coordinate an upcoming 60% review meeting in June, obtain a Grand County agreement and complete environmental work before advertising for construction bids (tentatively winter 2026).
