Construction is officially underway on the Steinaker Service Canal Trail, a new 1.9-mile paved, shared-use path designed to connect US-40 near Aggie Boulevard to 500 North (SR-121) in Vernal. The project, which repurposes an existing canal corridor, aims to improve non-motorized mobility and provide safer walking and biking access to several local schools and community centers throughout Uintah County.
Project Origins and Partnerships
The project officially transitioned from the design phase to active construction following a groundbreaking ceremony held on July 20, 2026. According to Uintah County, the construction marks the start of a new active transportation route for the region. The trail is being developed through a partnership between the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Vernal City, Uintah County, and various local stakeholders.
Regional Connectivity Goals
The Steinaker Service Canal Trail is a key component of the Vernal and Uintah County Trails Master Plan. As part of this effort, the trail serves as a vital link in a growing regional trail system and is intended to prioritize future trail extensions to the north. The Utah Department of Transportation is fully funding the project as part of the statewide Utah Trail Network, a program dedicated to expanding and improving trail systems across the state.
Community and Educational Access
The 1.9-mile paved path is designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities. By transforming an underutilized canal corridor into a scenic and functional pathway, the project aims to enhance community connectivity and support long-term public health and mobility goals. The route is expected to provide direct access to several essential destinations, including the Central Cove Early Education Center, Uintah High School, Terra Academy, Uintah Basin Technical College, and the USU Uintah Basin Campus.
Public Input and Local Landmarks
In addition to connecting various educational institutions, the trail will provide improved access to the Golden Age Senior Center and multiple local churches. The design of the trail incorporates public input gathered during community open houses held in April and August 2025, which allowed residents to provide feedback on concept plans, trail features, and naming conventions.
Current Construction Phase
The construction process is currently in the clearing and grubbing phase, which is scheduled to run from July through September 2026. During this period, crews are working to clear vegetation and prepare the canal corridor for the upcoming path construction. Asphalt paving for the 10-to-12-foot wide multi-use path is planned for early fall 2026.
Development Timeline
The project has moved through several developmental stages since its inception. Following the completion of the design phase in the spring of 2026, qualified contractors submitted proposals for the work. A construction contract has since been awarded to Geneva Rock Construction. The final trail alignment and engineering plans were finalized between the summer of 2025 and the spring of 2026.
Future Milestones and Completion
Looking ahead to 2027, project milestones include the installation of a pedestrian bridge, which is planned for the winter or spring season to connect key segments of the trail alignment. Once all construction is complete, a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in the spring of 2027 to celebrate the trail's official opening to the public.
