The completion of the Upper Mill Creek Canyon Road Improvements Project will likely be delayed until the spring or summer of 2027, according to a September 16 announcement. While the delay is expected to be frustrating for those who use the upper canyon, the road will reopen this winter for non-motorized winter recreation.
Several factors contributed to the project extension. Excavated material from sites such as Alexander Basin lacked sufficient rock to be separated from topsoil for road construction, requiring crews to bring in suitable crushed rock from outside the canyon. Additionally, unanticipated subgrade reinforcement was required in multiple areas where the material beneath the surface was too weak to safely support the road. In those instances, crews had to collect and crush additional rock on-site to reinforce the sections.
Weather conditions also played a role in the timeline. Record-breaking precipitation in October 2025 and a late freeze lasting into April and May of 2026 resulted in several smaller delays. Remaining tasks, such as asphalt paving and final road base preparation, are temperature-dependent. Depending on winter conditions, these tasks may need to wait until after the 2027 snow melt, which could result in temporary closures while the project is completed.
Project partners expressed disappointment regarding the delay but stated they are working to complete the project thoughtfully to protect Mill Creek Canyon for future generations.
