Salt Lake City Public Utilities is in the process of replacing the North Bench Pump Station, a facility that has served residents north of downtown Salt Lake City for over 60 years. The project aims to reduce operational costs, increase energy efficiency, and improve water distribution for the area.
As of July 2026, pipe installation for the new pump station is complete, while construction on the station itself continues. Officials expect system testing to begin within the next month.
New underground water lines are currently being installed to connect the reservoir and pump station to improve system reliability. Once these new lines are operational, older lines will be decommissioned. At the Morris Reservoir, crews are using low-impact methods to replace an aging sewer line and are preparing a new access road between the reservoir and the pump station.
The new pump station will be situated just north of the Morris Reservoir near 18th Avenue and Hilltop Road.
The project also includes infrastructure improvements for the 18th Avenue Trailhead. The site will undergo revegetation of disturbed areas, leveling, grading, and paving improvements for Hilltop Avenue, the trailhead parking area, and a Salt Lake City Public Utilities access road.
Construction began in mid-September 2025 and is expected to continue through September 2026. Key upcoming milestones include waterline connections requiring temporary shutdowns in mid-summer 2026, with the new pump station and the decommissioning of the old station both anticipated for fall 2026. Trailhead access and parking are expected to reopen in October 2026.
To mitigate wildfire risk, Salt Lake City Public Utilities has implemented a state-required Fire Protection Plan, which includes coordinating with the fire department and clearing vegetation near the construction zone. During the construction period, parking on 18th Avenue is limited Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
