A section of the Jordan River Trail Parkway between Cottonwood Park and 700 North is temporarily closed for environmental and safety improvements. This temporary closure is part of a larger effort to revitalize this public space while also disrupting illegal activity in the area.

The City aims to reopen a safer, cleaner, better-designed corridor that serves responsible users and works for the whole community.

What is the City Doing During the Closure?

• Disrupting illegal activity: The Police Department is deploying frequent patrols and specialized units to increase oversight and go after drug dealers, gang members, and violent offenders.
• Enhancing safety: The City is installing public safety cameras and deploying drones to give SLCPD eyes where criminals used to hide. 
• Improving visibility: The Public Lands Department is moving a section of the trail between 500 North and Backman Elementary to improve visibility and safety for students and other residents.
• Upgrading infrastructure: The City is installing better lighting and upgrading infrastructure for long-term useability. 
• Restoring the environment: The City is removing overgrown vegetation, repairing riverbanks, and restoring native plant habitats along the Jordan River.

Detour Route

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the trail be closed? 

This closure is expected to last several months. It is not permanent. We will keep the community updated on this webpage on the coordinated efforts throughout the closure. This short-term closure is a necessary part of our goal to return the trail to everyone who uses it responsibly.

Why not just increase patrols?

Salt Lake City Police Department increased patrols, launched targeted enforcement operations, and committed specialized units to the trail in January 2025. The SLCPD is policing the area aggressively. However, the current layout of the trail gives criminals places to hide—something City leadership is committed to correcting. The closure allows the City to reclaim the space, increase visibility, and eliminate blind spots criminals rely on.

What is Salt Lake City doing about the overall concentration of crime and homelessness?

What’s happening on the Jordan River Trail and North Temple is why Salt Lake City created a Public Safety Plan. In January 2025, Mayor Mendenhall released the Public Safety Plan, which addresses legitimate public safety concerns and makes 50 clear recommendations to improve broken statewide systems that have prevented Utah and our capital city from successfully resolving the humanitarian crisis of homelessness on our streets for decades.

What should I do if I see crime or someone in the closure area?  

Your safety is our priority—please do not put yourself in danger. If you witness an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergency concerns, call 801-799-3000.

More Info on Related Projects

• Salt Lake City Public Safety Plan 2025
  The Plan was released in January 2025 with 27 actions for Salt Lake City and 23 recommendations for external partners. The Public Safety Dashboard tracks progress and is updated weekly.
  
• Backman Community Open Space
  The project will add safety improvements and enhance the natural area on two acres of city open space adjacent to Backman Elementary and the Jordan River.
  
• Emerald Ribbon Action Plan
  This Plan is a vision for the future of the Jordan River and the 10 miles of river corridor that cut through the City’s westside neighborhoods. $9 million is being invested in Jordan River improvements thanks to the 2022 SLC Parks Bond.
  

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