Part of the Jordan River Trail will be closed for several months — Here’s why

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A portion of the Jordan River Parkway Trail is expected to be closed for several months while Salt Lake City officials work to address environmental and safety concerns.

The trail will be closed between Cottonwood Park and 700 North, according to a March 31 announcement from the office of Mayor Erin Mendenhall.

Officials — including the Department of Public Lands, the Salt Lake City Police Department, and the mayor’s office — will be removing overgrown vegetation, restoring damaged riverbanks, installing improved lighting, and relocating a portion of the trail (between 500 North and Backman Elementary) as part of another project.

“This temporary closure, which is expected to last several months, is an effort to reclaim and revitalize public spaces and make them safer from illegal activity,” Mendenhall’s office said. “In recent months, this area has seen an increase in environmental harm and criminal behavior, prompting growing concern from community members, neighbors, and trail users.”

Mendenhall’s office said SLCPD has “significantly increased its presence along the trail” as part of the mayor’s public safety plan for 2025. During the closure, a marked detour plan is in place. A map of the detour can be seen below:

“The Plan also includes proactive diversion efforts and connecting individuals to social services when appropriate,” Mendenhall’s office said.

According to the mayor, neighborhood outreach efforts and community meetings are being employed to answer citizens’ questions, share updates, and get feedback. For updates, progress reports, and detour information, visit the Backman Community Open Space project page.