The 3900 South Shared Path project is moving into its final design phase, with construction for the initial two segments anticipated to begin early next year. 

This project has been in the works for three years since it emerged as the top priority from the Wasatch Front Regional Council’s 2022 Mid-Valley Active Transportation Plan. The goal is to establish a connected, safe active transportation system from the Jordan River Parkway Trail eastward to 2300 East, creating a corridor for cyclists and pedestrians suitable for all ages and abilities. 

The east-west trail along 3900/4100 South will take advantage of available space and avoid freeway interchanges enabling people to cross the Salt Lake Valley to the Jordan River Parkway Trail. 

Public open houses and public hearings on the project were held, and a survey was sent out in late 2023 to gather input and refine the early designs.

The project is a collaborative effort between South Salt Lake City, Millcreek and the Utah Department of Transportation. To better manage funding and implementation the path has been divided into three segments:

• Segment 1: Jordan River Parkway to West Temple
• Segment 2: West Temple to 900 East
• Segment 3: 900 East to 2300 East

Preliminary design and environmental analysis have been completed for the first two segments. Environmental review has focused on potential impacts related to archaeology, historic architecture, wetlands and wildlife resources.

Several key upgrades to enhance safety and connectivity are planned for these segments. These include replacing existing sidewalk with a wider, paved shared-use path designed for both cyclists and pedestrians, construction of new curb, gutter and necessary drainage infrastructure, reducing shoulder and lane widths along 3900 South and removing on-street parking in specific areas to accommodate the path. The trail may impact small areas of private property. In these cases project team members have been actively meeting with affected property owners to provide them with more information as part of the formal Right-of-Way process.

With preliminary designs finished for Segments 1 and 2 and environmental documents nearing final approval, the project team is now finalizing design for the first section. 

That first segment to be constructed — 1.4 miles of trail from the Jordan River Parkway to West Temple — is expected to cost in the range of $10 million and to go out to bid in the spring. While the specific local match amounts are not yet publicly detailed, prior, related reconstruction work on 3900 South received federal Surface Transportation Funds and County Transportation Choice grants, which did require a local match, demonstrating a history of local contribution.

This project is a keystone piece of the larger Utah Trail Network, a statewide initiative championed by Gov. Spencer Cox to create a comprehensive system for active transportation. State and local officials hope the 3900 South Shared Path will not only provide a safer, convenient and non-motorized way to travel across the central Salt Lake Valley but will also link to the Jordan River Parkway Trail, giving users continuous path access extending up to Davis County and down to Utah County.

Final public engagement opportunities and detailed project timelines are expected to be announced shortly as the project moves toward breaking ground.