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SALT LAKE CITY -- Big trucks moved big amounts of dirt in Sugar House Thursday. A tunnel, which crews just started construction on, is going under 1300 East at about 2150 South. The project has been in the works for about a decade.
But Juan Arce-Laretta can wait about a year-and-a-half longer for it to be ready. "Thirteenth East, there's a lot of traffic here. This is going to provide a safe, separate passage," he said.
Arce-Laretta is the president of PRATT, or Parley's Rails, Trails and Tunnels coalition. The new tunnel in Sugar House is a piece of that trail, connecting the Bonneville Shoreline trail at the mouth of Parley's Canyon, to the Provo-Jordan River trail -- about 8 miles with no motorists.
Arce-Laretta described the trail as "class 1," meaning that there will be an absolute minimum of interaction with motorists while traveling along it.
"You can take your kids on there, let them loose on there, and they should be able to travel safely," he said.
The connection also will be an artery between neighborhoods, the park, and downtown Sugar House. The tunnel will run to Hidden Hollow; connecting Sugar House Park with the heart of the Sugar House business district.
On the Sugar House Park side of the tunnel will be an artful design of a Sego Lily to be created in concrete. Artist Patricia Johnanson creates similar functional art across the country. It's captured the imagination of people who live nearby.
"Great anticipation," Arce-Larreta said. "They're very eager for this to become a reality. It's been a long time coming."
Mayor Ralph Becker said they aim to get the whole valley connected some day. "Every piece is necessary," he said.
The project costs $4.2 million of mostly federal money, combined with "local partnerships."
Plans have been in the works for a long time.
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said, "This kind of project really allows us to connect the communities to their amenities. Rather than run across 1300 East and risk your life, you can get there easily and your kids can ride their bikes."
Part of the plan is to remove a couple of trees in Sugar House Park to make room for the tunnel. But they will be replanted Friday in a ceremony featuring singer Sheryl Crow, who plans to plant the trees before her concert at Red Butte Garden.
Written by Mary Richards with contributions from Richard Piatt.
