Utah Department of Transportation breaks ground on 1.9-mile Vernal multi-use trail connecting schools

The Utah Department of Transportation said it recently broke ground on a 1.9-mile multi-use trail in Vernal that will link Uinta High School, Terra Academy and the Utah State University Uinta Basin campus, officials said.

UDOT framed the project as part of the agency’s broader Utah Trail Network and emphasized benefits for students and the community. "There's a lot of excitement out here in Vernal as UDOT has announced the latest project as part of the Utah Trail Network," said Nick Naylor, speaking for the Utah Department of Transportation.

An agency official at the event described the trail as "the culmination of a lot of planning and design and coordination," saying it is one of the first trails in the area and will create new connections for residents. A meeting participant added the path will let younger students access school and recreational spaces by walking and skateboarding, linking educational opportunities to physical activity.

UDOT said the 1.9-mile trail will provide places to recreate and better multimodal access in the area. "We want it to be safe," an agency speaker said, stressing safety and options for travel by vehicle, bus, bike and foot.

Officials told attendees that construction will take place off the road next to the Steineker Canal, and crews expect minimal traffic disruptions as a result. "That's because the construction will be done off the road next to the Steineker Canal," Naylor said.

UDOT said it anticipates opening the trail by the end of this year; the agency did not provide a specific opening date. For UDOT, Nick Naylor signed off the announcement.

No votes, motions or funding breakdowns were reported during the announcement; funding sources and a firm opening date were not specified.