Murray City plans to complete significant repairs on the cracked Murray section of the Jordan River Parkway Trail by the end of fall. This initiative addresses concerns from local residents, including Murray's Rand Woodward, who reported substantial damage on the popular cycling path, rendering it difficult and uncomfortable to use for nearly a year.
Cracks on the trail have been observed in various sections, sometimes measuring up to four inches wide and an inch and a half deep. Rand Woodward, who has biked on the Jordan River Trail for more than a decade, halted his rides about a year ago after first noticing these pronounced fissures. He found the cracks too wide and deep for his bicycle's tires, making continued use of the trail unsafe.
Woodward’s concerns prompted him to reach out, highlighting the impact on his daily routine. Unable to safely navigate the trail, he resorted to riding his bike on the busy 4800 S. This alternative route, spanning from East Murray to Redwood Road and back, presented its own hazards. Woodward described riding on 4800 S as “dangerous” due to the heavy traffic. He expressed a strong desire to return to the trail, which he called “a nice trail” that he “really like[s].”
Jeff Martin, the Murray City Parks and Recreation director, attributed the formation of these cracks primarily to weather patterns. Martin explained that during summer months, cracks tend to open up more. Subsequently, the cyclical freezing and thawing in winter and spring contribute to the “destruction or degradation” of the asphalt pathways.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Murray City Parks Department initiated repair efforts in July. This work focused on sealing smaller cracks, a type of maintenance that typically extends the life of the trail. Martin noted that these sealed sections usually last “between 5-6, 7 years,” with the department continuously assessing and addressing issues as they arise.
However, the more substantial cracks, those requiring more extensive intervention, cannot be resolved with simple sealing. According to Martin, fixing these larger fissures necessitates removing the damaged road segments and laying new asphalt. This more comprehensive repair work usually involves assistance from the city's street department, which typically lends its support when its resources are not fully dedicated to maintaining city roads.
The city is actively working towards a resolution for these larger problem areas. Martin confirmed that some portions of the trail are currently undergoing these more extensive repairs this fall. He expressed optimism that all necessary work will be completed, stating, “we're hoping to get them all done by the end of this fall.” This timeline suggests that by the close of the autumn season, residents like Woodward should be able to resume cycling safely along the entirety of the Jordan River Parkway Trail in Murray.
To help maintain the trail's condition after these repairs, Murray City is encouraging the public to participate in its upkeep. Residents who observe new cracks or other issues on the trail are asked to report them through the “concerns button” available on the city's website. This community involvement aims to ensure the long-term enjoyment and safety of the Jordan River Parkway Trail for all users.