Ogden Canyon Construction Update

3/31/16 Construction Update

Pineview Water Systems is replacing the irrigation water siphon at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.  The following are planned construction activities.  

Please note that due to weather conditions, emergency situations or equipment/supply issues, schedules are subject to change.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

·         Effective through project completion in April/May 2016, motorists should continue to expect minimal flagging operations on SR-39 at the mouth of the canyon. Restrictions will be effective during daylight hours, Monday through Saturday.  Traffic will be stopped intermittently in both directions for up to 15-minute intervals to accommodate construction equipment access and as a public safety precaution as suspended loads are being transported over the roadway.  The work schedule is largely weather-dependent. 

SCHEDULE

·         All sections of the new pipe have been installed and crews are painting the exterior of the pipe as weather allows.

·         The project team is preparing the pipe for pressure testing in order to ensure the pipe will be ready for irrigation season.

·         Once pressure testing is complete, the trolley system that was used for the removal and installation of the pipe will be disassembled and taken off site.

·         As the project wraps up, crews will begin restoring the construction site.

SAFETY

·         Although the pipe will soon be operational, the construction site will be active and off limits to the public as site restoration continues.

·         As a public safety precaution, crews want to remind hikers that all areas in the construction zone on both sides of the canyon are off limits.

·         All areas below the siphon that have been fenced off and signed are off limits to the public during construction.

·         Drivers are encouraged to follow all signs and flaggers through the work zone to promote public safety.  A protective highway cover has been built over SR-39 beneath the siphon. 

PROJECT PURPOSE & DESCRIPTION

·         The Ogden Canyon siphon is the pipeline that is suspended between the canyon walls at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.  The pipe is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and operated by Pineview Water Systems.  It has been in use since the summer of 1937, providing irrigation water for almost 80 years.  It currently serves 10,000 customers in the Ogden area. 

·         The siphon was at the end of its operational life and needed to be replaced.  A new pipe and support system with seismic upgrades were installed.  The new siphon looks very similar to the original siphon.  The new siphon is expected to be operational by irrigation season.

MORE INFORMATION

Pineview Water has employed a project-dedicated public involvement team to keep the public informed and help address concerns throughout project construction.  Residents with questions or concerns may contact Marcus Murdock:

·         Phone: 801-888-3159

·         Email: email@ogdencanyonsiphon.com

Ogden Canyon Construction Update

It's that time of year again - construction time.

Click here to view an article from Sunday's Standard Examiner

And here is an update from the contractor:

2/11/16 Construction Update

Pineview Water Systems is replacing the irrigation water siphon at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.  The following are planned construction activities.  

Please note that due to weather conditions, emergency situations or equipment/supply issues, schedules are subject to change.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

·         Effective through project completion in April 2016, motorists should continue to expect flagging operations on SR-39 at the mouth of the canyon. Restrictions will be effective during daylight hours, Monday through Saturday.  Traffic will be stopped intermittently in both directions for up to 15-minute intervals to accommodate construction equipment access and as a public safety precaution as suspended loads are being transported over the roadway.  The work schedule is largely weather-dependent. 

SCHEDULE

·         All hanging sections of the new pipe have been installed and crews will begin installing new sections of pipe that will be on the north and south face of the canyon walls.

·         Crews are continually battling freezing temperatures and high winds to ensure the project stays on schedule.    

SAFETY

·         As a public safety precaution and with spring approaching, crews want to remind hikers that all areas in the construction zone on both sides of the canyon are off limits.

·         All areas below the siphon that have been fenced off and signed are off limits to the public during construction.

·         Drivers are encouraged to follow all signs and flaggers through the work zone to promote public safety.  A protective highway cover has been built over SR-39 beneath the siphon. 

PROJECT PURPOSE & DESCRIPTION

·         The Ogden Canyon siphon is the pipeline that is suspended between the canyon walls at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.  The pipe is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and operated by Pineview Water Systems.  It has been in use since the summer of 1937, providing irrigation water for almost 80 years.  It currently serves 10,000 customers in the Ogden area. 

·         The siphon is at the end of its operational life and needs to be replaced.  A new pipe and support system with seismic upgrades will be installed.  The new siphon will look very similar to the existing pipe.  The new siphon is expected to be operational by early April 2016.

MORE INFORMATION

Pineview Water has employed a project-dedicated public involvement team to keep the public informed and help address concerns throughout project construction.  Residents with questions or concerns may contact Marcus Murdock:

·         Phone: 801-888-3159

·         Email: email@ogdencanyonsiphon.com

Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study

Good Afternoon, The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has completed Phase I of a Transportation Study in Ogden Canyon. The purpose of Phase I was to gather physical information and opinions concerning transportation through Ogden Canyon so a plan can be formed for future canyon uses and needs. In Phase II, the study team will meet more extensively with people and groups who care about Ogden Canyon. The study team will use information collected in Phase I to develop concepts that solve and mitigate controversy and that are feasible. Stakeholder groups made up of people who live, work, travel, and recreate in Ogden Canyon will be formed to evaluate these concepts and give input. Representatives of local government and other agencies will also participate in evaluating the concepts and giving feedback. Please visit our website to read about our findings from Phase I. We will keep you updated in the coming months as work progresses in Phase II.  .

Project Overview The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is conducting a Transportation Study in Ogden Canyon. The Transportation Commission asked UDOT to conduct the study and look at all modes of transportation in the canyon. The purpose of the study is to gather and share information in an interactive and transparent process to develop an understanding of the safety and mobility needs in the canyon. The study analysis includes existing and future safety concerns, traffic volumes, resident needs, economic needs, multi-modal uses (biking, truck traffic, pedestrian, transit, etc.), recreational uses, and environmental and geotechnical/geologic concerns.

Study Area

Contact Us Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.  Thanks! Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study Team  801-337-5544  ogdencanyonstudy@utah.gov  udot.utah.gov/ogdencanyonstudy

Ogden Canyon Siphon Update

Pineview Water Systems is preparing to replace the irrigation water siphon at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.  Project details are noted below.  You have been included in the project update list from a previous database of Ogden Canyon projects.  Periodic status updates will be sent via this project email.  If you wish to be removed from this list, please indicate by replying to this email.

PROJECT PURPOSE and DESCRIPTION

·         The Ogden Canyon siphon is the pipeline that is suspended between the canyon walls at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.  The pipe is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and operated by Pineview Water Systems.  It has been in use since the summer of 1937, providing irrigation water for almost 80 years.  It currently serves 10,000 customers in the Ogden area. 
·         The siphon is at the end of its operational life and needs to be replaced.  A new pipe and support system with seismic upgrades will be installed.  The new siphon will look very similar to the existing pipe. 

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

Construction schedules are dependent on weather conditions, emergency situations or equipment/supply issues and are subject to change.

·         Preparations are being made to remove the existing pipe.  A protective highway cover has been built over SR-39 beneath the siphon and crews have begun construction of a set of towers that will facilitate the safe removal of the existing pipeline.  
·         The siphon will be drained and irrigation water will be shut off beginning October 1, 2015.  Removal of parts of the existing pipe could begin as soon as October 2, 2015.
·         The existing pipeline is scheduled to be removed by the end of November 2015 and construction of the new siphon will begin immediately thereafter.
·         The new siphon is scheduled to be operational by early April 2016.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

·         Crews generally plan to work Monday through Friday, however, weekend work is likely as much of the work is weather-dependent.
·         Traffic impacts could begin as early as Oct. 2, 2015 and are expected to continue through early April 2016.
·         Lane closures and flagging operations should be expected on SR-39 at the mouth of the canyon throughout the project.  Traffic will be stopped intermittently in both directions for up to 15-minute intervals to accommodate construction equipment access.  Emergency access will be maintained.
·         Full road closures will be periodically scheduled with advance notice to motorists.
·         Drivers are encouraged to follow all signs and flaggers through the work zone to promote public safety.

MORE INFORMATION

Pineview Water has employed a project-dedicated public involvement team to keep the public informed and help address concerns throughout project construction.  Residents with questions or concerns may contact Marcus Murdock:

·         Phone: 801-888-3159
·         Email: email@ogdencanyonsiphon.com

Attachments area

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Ogden Marathon Saturday

Saturday officially kicks off the 'every weekend let's bombard Ogden Valley with a big event' season, as the Ogden Marathon takes place throughout the valley and Ogden Canyon.

Plan your day (and the rest of the summer) accordingly folks, and avoid Ogden Canyon.

While the Ogden Marathon is one of the premier Marathons in the country, it is just one of the many events that offers lots of impact to our residents and doesn't give a lot in return.

Let us know what you think of the summer full of big races.

Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study ends Friday

We just received this email reminder.  If you have not completed the brief study, then follow the link below.  It is important that UDOT hears from the valley folk. February 9, 2015

Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study Good Afternoon, You are receiving this email because you've expressed interest in the Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study. Thank you for taking the time to take our survey, comment on the website, send emails, and call us. We also appreciate those of you who we have been able to meet with in person. All of your information has been carefully documented and is a vital part of this first phase of the study. We will be closing the survey and the public input map on the website this week on Friday, February 13. We appreciate all the comments we have received thus far. If you haven't taken the survey yet, please click on the link below if you would like to take it. Only one survey will be allowed per electronic device. If more than one person per household would like to take the survey and you don’t have access to another device, please call our hotline and we will input your answers for you. Ogden Canyon Survey Please share this information with family and friends who have an interest in Ogden Canyon. We will compile the survey data along with the other data we have collected and present our findings to UDOT. We will keep you posted as we move forward.

Project Overview The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is conducting a Transportation Study in Ogden Canyon. The Transportation Commission asked UDOT to conduct the study and look at all modes of transportation in the canyon. The purpose of the study is to gather and share information in an interactive and transparent process to develop an understanding of the safety and mobility needs in the canyon. The study analysis includes existing and future safety concerns, traffic volumes, resident needs, economic needs, multi-modal uses (biking, truck traffic, pedestrian, transit, etc.), recreational uses, environmental concerns, geotechnical/geologic concerns, etc.

Study Area

Contact Us Please take a look at our study website if you haven't yet. The comment period for our website will close next Wednesday, February 11. The website will remain open and you will be able to see the comments of others, but you won't be able to leave a comment. We will post our findings on our website in the next couple months. Your input is essential to developing a long-term plan for Ogden Canyon and we appreciate your interest in the study. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.  Thanks! Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study Team  801.337.5544  ogdencanyonstudy@utah.gov  udot.utah.gov/ogdencanyonstudy

Ogden Canyon Survey - throw in your 2¢

From our friends at the Weber County Forum

Whatever you do today, please don't hesitate to throw in your own 2¢

Via Ogden City Mayor Mike Caldwell, who sez, "Very important opportunity to have your voice heard":

• Ogden Canyon Transportation Use Study

Please take this survey and support a safe Ogden Canyon path for pedestrians and cyclists!

Whatever else you do today, please don't hesitate to throw in your own 2¢.

Ogden Canyon Construction Update

The following are planned activities for the UDOT chip seal project on SR-39 through Ogden Canyon between Harrison Blvd. in Ogden and Pineview Dam. Please note that due to weather conditions, emergency situations or equipment/supply issues, schedules are subject to change.

Due to equipment problems today, chip sealing operations on SR-39 have been extended intoSunday, Aug. 3 in the mid- to upper part of Ogden Canyon.

Sunday, Aug. 3:  One-way traffic will be directed by pilot car and motorists should expect up to 15-20 minute delays from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.  Crews plan to broom the mid-section of the canyon between approximately 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and then chip seal operations will resume in the upper part of the canyon through approximately 6 p.m. for the final one to one and a half miles to Pineview Dam.

Motorists are encouraged to reduce driving speeds to help protect against vehicle damage from “fly rock,” which occurs when newly laid chips are driven over by vehicles at high speeds.  The roadway will be swept periodically over the next few days to remove loose rocks, but vehicles traveling at high speeds may cause new chips to dislodge and damage vehicles.

Aug. 4-5:  Once the new chip surface has been placed, an asphalt-based seal coat will be applied.  Weather permitting, one-way traffic will be directed by pilot car through the length of Ogden Canyon and motorists should expect up to 15-20 minute delays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday (Aug. 4) and Tuesday (Aug. 5).

Motorists with time sensitive travel should plan accordingly and consider alternate routes, such as SR-167, the Trappers Loop Highway via Interstate 84 through Weber Canyon, to expedite their trip.  Stakeholders with questions about this project can contact the project hotline at 801-419-9554.

Ogden Canyon Waterline Weekly Update

Ogden Canyon Waterline Weekly Project Update – February 20, 2013

Whitaker Construction is just finishing up the first phase of construction this week.  Next week they will focus on testing and chlorinating the new water line.  Construction on Phase II will begin the first week of March.  You can look at the interactive map on the project website to see a more detailed schedule of construction:

http://www.ogdencanyonh2o.com/ogdencanyonH2O/map.html

Remember that you can also follow the project on Twitter: @ogdencanyonh2o, and like us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/OgdenCanyonWaterline.  These are two additional sources that we use to post information about the project.

Best regards,

Jason M. Allen, P.E. Municipal Engineer
HORROCKS ENGINEERS

3544 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 11 | Ogden, Utah 84401

Ogden Canyon Waterline Q&A with Ken Moffett, Ogden City Water Utility Manager

Why did Ogden City undertake this project in the winter?  The line we are replacing is needed during the warmer months of June through November. In order to meet the consumption needs of Ogden City, our only option is to work during the winter months, which brings additional challenges of harsh weather conditions that often affect workers and equipment.

Why is the project moving so slowly? With warmer temperatures we are now able to manage soil conditions and install about 200 feet of pipe a day, delaying us only five days behind our June 1 deadline. Record cold temperatures posed challenges at the beginning of the project. Equipment start-up times took longer and breakdowns were more frequent. Excessive frost and solid rock compounded the problem, resulting in unforeseeable underground conditions and unplanned night road closures.  A second night crew is being added to help get us ahead of the deadline.

Why so many traffic delays? Unfortunately we do not have the resources available to give real time estimates like the signage you often see along Interstate 15. We are broadcasting delay times through the project website at www.ogdencanyonh2o.com, Twitter@ogdencanyonh2o  and the project hotline at 801-675-8198. We will also be adding updates from employees who will be driving the canyon and logging drive time through the canyon seven days a week.

 

We knew this project would pose a major challenge, that’s why it has been put off for more than a hundred years. Without replacing the waterline, we would continue to lose over a million gallons of water a day.  Replacement of the line is vital.

We are committed to adapting the travelers’ concerns while staying within the constraints of the project. We thank you for your patience and concern for the safety or our workers and encourage you to email us with any questions or suggestions at ogdencanyonh2o@horrocks.com.

Kimberly Jensen

Ogden City

Marketing and Communication

801-629-8414

kimberlyjensen@ogdencity.com

 

Canyon Update: Ogden Canyon Closed Sunday Night

Ogden Canyon Waterline Project Alert:

Ogden Canyon will be closed to all traffic (except emergency vehicles) Sunday night, February 17, 2013, between the hours of 11pm and 5am.  During this hard closure, Ogden Canyon residents will only be able to enter or exit the canyon from the east.

The purpose of this closure is to stabilize an existing power pole in the construction zone.  In order to stabilize the pole, a backhoe must be stationed in the travel lane while the crews work to fix the issue.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards,

Jason M. Allen, P.E. Public Involvement
HORROCKS ENGINEERS

3544 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 11 | Ogden, Utah 84401

Yet another Ogden Canyon Update - Canyon to remain open Valentine's Night

Sorry for the many updates, but the situation is unfolding rapidly and here is the latest:

Ogden Canyon Waterline Weekly Update for the week of February 13, 2013:

The contractor has made great progress over the last few weeks, and has now moved back down to the mouth of the canyon to finish the final 600 foot segment of Phase 1.  Once this section is completed, the contractor will pressure test and chlorinate the first phase of the pipeline before putting it in to service.  Phase 2 construction should begin in the next 2 weeks.

In order to accommodate residents and businesses in Ogden Canyon and Ogden Valley, the contractor and Ogden City originally agreed to delay the night-time closure on Valentine’s Day to 11pm.  However, because of the progress that has been made over the past few weeks, the contractor and Ogden City have decided to suspend the nightly closure on Thursday, February 14, 2013, keeping SR-39 through Ogden Canyon open all night. 

We again want to recognize Whitaker Construction and Wasatch Barricade for the fantastic job that they are doing with construction and traffic control, respectively.  Their hard work and determination has helped keep the project moving forward and on schedule.

Drive safe, and have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Best regards,

Jason M. Allen, P.E. Public Involvement
HORROCKS ENGINEERS

Ogden Canyon Update: Hard Closure tonight @ 11 PM

Ogden Canyon Waterline Project Alert:

Ogden Canyon will be closed to all traffic (except emergency vehicles) tonight, February 13, 2013, between the hours of 11pm and 5am.  During this hard closure, Ogden Canyon residents will only be able to enter or exit the canyon from the east.

The purpose of this closure is to stabilize an existing power pole in the construction zone.  In order to stabilize the pole, a backhoe must be stationed in the travel lane while the crews work to fix the issue.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards,

Jason M. Allen, P.E. Public Involvement
HORROCKS ENGINEERS

Ogden Canyon Update - Canyon will close at 11 PM Valentines Night instead of 8 PM

Project Update:

In an effort to accommodate residents and businesses in Ogden Canyon and Ogden Valley, SR-39 in Ogden Canyon will close at 11pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013, instead of the scheduled 8pm closure.  Please drive safe and have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Best regards,

Jason M. Allen, P.E. Public Involvement
HORROCKS ENGINEERS

Ogden Canyon Update

Dear Ogden Canyon Waterline Stakeholder Committee,

Whitaker Construction has made very good progress over the last week, thanks to some very cooperative weather.  Over the next two weeks, they are planning on finishing up the first phase and moving their operation up the canyon to the second phase.  They continue to remain on schedule for the projected June 1, 2013, completion date.

We have added a “Frequently Asked Questions” section to the project website, in order to help the public understand a little more about this project.  Feel free to read through the questions and answers that we have provided at: http://www.ogdencanyonh2o.com/ogdencanyonH2O/ocwlfaq.html

You can also follow the project on Twitter: @ogdencanyonh2o.

Best regards,

Jason M. Allen, P.E. Municipal Engineer
HORROCKS ENGINEERS

3544 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 11 | Ogden, Utah 84401

Councilperson Wicks Requests Canyon Closure Time Be Bumped To 10 PM

Guest Post from Amy Wicks

I made the request to bump the canyon closure times to 10 pm and the attached document is the response I received from the Ogden City utility manager who is one of the staff members assigned to oversee the project.

On a related note, I am making contact with Horrocks on Monday to discuss delays and travel times. I was stuck in Ogden Canyon for over an hour and a half headed home to Ogden from Snowbasin on Friday...as were many many others. I understand the snowy weather creates challenges, but cars were moving eastbound so I'm curious why there was no westbound movement. For almost an hour, It seemed as if the only westbound movement was from vehicles inching forward as others were giving up and turning around.

That type of delay is completely unacceptable and I will let you know what I am able to find out. I am also interested in hearing from others who have encountered problems traveling through Ogden Canyon so I can try to work through the issues with the construction company and make sure UDOT is aware of the problems as well, since they are the entity granting permission for closures and delays.

You are welcome to post this on your blog as an effort to help keep the public aware of what is going on.

Amy Wicks
Ogden City Council
At Large Seat C

Click here to read the response for the Ogden City Utility Manager

Another Ogden Canyon Update - Times for Closure Tweaked

Here is another update from Jason Allen, Horrocks Engineers

In an effort to accommodate weekend traffic, we have changed the closure schedule slightly.  The following are the updated closure times for SR-39 in Ogden Canyon.

Sunday night – Friday morning: 8pm – 5am

Friday night – Saturday morning: 10pm – 6am

Saturday night: no closure

Hopefully, this modification will lessen the impact to residents and businesses.  We recognize that visitors within the canyon are usually more frequent on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

As always, we want to thank you for your patience during this project.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

Best regards,

Jason M. Allen, P.E. Public Involvement
HORROCKS ENGINEERS

3544 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 11 | Ogden, Utah 84401

Closing Canyon in the Evening Very Dangerous to Valley Residents

Guest post by Sally Lindsay, Huntsville

We all know that driving The North Ogden Divide or Trappers Loop in the winter presents special challenges.  Closing the Canyon at 8 PM is very dangerous to valley residents, especially our teenage children.  Driving from school activities over the North Ogden Divide at night in the winter is extremely dangerous, especially during storms.  Driving over Trapper’s loop at night in the winter in potential whiteout conditions, presents the same dangerous conditions.   Drivers will face highway isolation, the very real possibility of hitting a large animal, and accidents that might not be discovered until who knows when.  This is absolutely unacceptable and another solution needs to be found.

We have all been co-operative about dealing with the canyon closures.  This does not induce a cooperative spirit.  It smacks of not wanting to pay for the extra people involved to keep the canyon open.  It also smacks of ‘poor homework’ done by all involved.  The company had plenty of time and did plenty of research. Conducting this project in the middle of winter was an interesting choice at best.  If they have discovered problems, this is their problem and should not put residents in danger on top of inconvenience.