Three Creeks Confluence construction delays for Mountain Dell flush
Authored by Brian Tonetti
Construction on the Three Creeks Confluence has been temporarily halted for draining and rehabilitation of the Mountain Dell Dam. Resumption is expected in early October with construction continuing into the Fall and Winter and plantings and the grand opening in the Spring.
Construction on the Three Creeks Confluence has been delayed. Progress was temporarily halted for the fabrication of the north-south bridge that will span the new creek channel and feature the laser-cut community designs. This bridge provides anglers an opportunity to toss a line in. Completion of the fabrication is expected at any time.
However, rehabilitation of the Mountain Dell Dam has halted construction for September. The process requires draining the reservoir into the downstream Parleys Creek. This is causing high water levels at the Three Creeks Confluence, preventing construction progress.
The Mountain Dell Dam, constructed in 1917, is damaged from seepage and freeze-thaw cycles. In addition, the dam outlet is nearly a century old. Salt Lake City Public Utilities is draining the reservoir and excavating 20 feet of deposited sediment to replace the outlet structure and line the upstream face of the dam. Flushing is expected to be completed by early October, at which point Three Creeks Confluence construction can resume.
Throughout the fall and winter, the concrete pipe--containing Parleys, Red Butte, and Emigration creeks--will be removed. Additionally, crews will finish the bank stabilization along the Jordan River, construct the plaza space, and install the north-south fishing bridge. The irrigation system will be installed once the ground has thawed. Plantings of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers will be completed in Spring 2021. Keep your eyes peeled for a grand opening and celebrations of this exciting, restorative addition to the west-side.
Please avoid the site work zone for your safety. We appreciate your patience with the construction process. We hope you are excited as us to see this project completed and celebrated by the Glendale neighborhood!
