Surplus Canal Relocation Design Project

Planning for Future Growth

The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLCIA) is planning to accommodate future passenger growth beyond the nearly completed new SLC terminal and concourses. Plans are underway to develop the area located south of the airport’s center runway (Runway 16L-34R) to build an end around taxiway along with additional parking. Before work on these improvements can occur a portion of the existing surplus canal must first be relocated. The surplus canal is owned and operated by Salt Lake County under a permit issued by the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), therefore both agencies must review and approve the plans before moving forward. Once the approvals are received, work to relocate the surplus canal is expected to begin in early spring 2027.

The work to be done is anticipated to be complete as follows, and are subject to change:

Construction of 2,000-plus employee parking stalls—August 2026
Relocate the surplus canal—Spring 2027 through December 2028
Complete additional 6,000-plus employee parking stalls—late 2029

Safe and Efficient Taxiways

The 2022 SLCIA Masterplan projects airport operations to grow to between 395,000 to 480,000 annual operations by 2037. (Compared to 325,000 in 2017.) This growth requires modifications be made to the airfield to increase safety and reduce the potential for runway incursions. One such improvement is the build out of an end around taxiway, which is planned in the area south of Runway 16L-34R.

Increase in Parking Demands

In addition to the airfield improvements, the airport must address increased parking demands. Currently, the airport’s parking lots reach capacity during peak travel times. This requires airport patrons to park in a temporary overflow parking area. With the airport forecasting continued growth in passengers and employees, the need for more parking is necessary. Planning is underway to increase parking capacity to meet these future demands in the area located south of Runway 16L-34R.

Project Updates

April 2026: Approx. 2,000-plus employee parking stalls will be completed by August 2026. Underground electrical conduit work and waterline installations are ongoing. Light pole foundations are being installed. Grading and ground stabilization continues while the subbase is placed in preparation for base, curb and gutter installation. Asphalt paving will begin in early May.

Aerial view of employee lot under construction facing southeast

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Figure 1 Vicinity Map

SLCIA - Surplus Canal Relocation Design
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah

FIGURE 2 SITE PLAN & DESIGN CONCEPT

SLCIA - Surplus Canal Relocation Design
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah