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SALT LAKE CITY — Emigration Canyon is a popular place for biking, but those looking to get a quick workout on the road will have to find a new place for the next few weeks beginning Monday.
Crews began work on a road paving project across Emigration Canyon on June 15, but the canyon will be closed to cyclists and skaters starting Monday as work to remove current asphalt begins, according to the Emigration Canyon Metro Township. People can still run or walk up and down the canyon but are being urged to use extra caution to avoid construction work and possible oncoming traffic.
In addition to recreational restrictions, the road will also be closed to all through-traffic during work hours; residents in the area will still be permitted to travel through the canyon during work hours, own officials said. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
"Crews plan to begin at the Emigration Township line on the west end of the project, by removing asphalt in the eastbound lane. They will move eastbound for about a mile at a time, then flip and remove asphalt in the westbound lane — in a racetrack configuration. Asphalt removal is planned to take about two weeks to complete," officials wrote in an update to the project Wednesday.
Officials added that "moderate delays" are expected, and they encourage motorists to use an alternate route if possible.
Work to install an underground power line is also set to begin Monday.
"We understand many of you will be inconvenienced; however, we are looking forward to a safe and well-built road. We appreciate your patience throughout the construction project," Emigration Canyon Mayor Joe Smolka said in a June 17 statement, shortly after construction began.
The entire project was set to continue through mid-September, but officials on Wednesday said crews may be able to reopen lower sections of the canyon for cycling use sometime before that.
