“The good news is, once it’s open, the project will clearly be an in-demand recreational resource,” Diane Simmons, project team member, said in a press release. “The bad news is that trespassing presents challenges for us as we try to safely complete construction and get native plants growing on bare soils.”

The project team is asking residents to help by:

• Heeding on-site closure notices.
• Spreading the word about project area and trail closures and the effects of trespassing while the project area remains closed.

“You can still get a close look at the restored habitats by pre-registering to attend one of the organized second Saturday site tours,” Simmons said. “For your safety and the safety of our construction crew, we ask that you refrain from boating into the delta area until it opens in 2024.”

Most of the Provo River has been diverted into the new delta area, but a minimum flow of 10 cubic feet per second will continue down the original channel.

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

A small dam is under construction at the downstream end to maintain an elevation suitable for flat water recreation in this reach.

The original channel is open to public access and recreation, except for two areas currently impacted by construction. At this time, boating access to the Provo River upstream of Lakeshore Drive and the original Provo River channel between Lakeview Parkway and Center Street remains unaffected by project construction.

“We look forward to opening the delta project to the public in 2024 and hope the recreational amenities we are focused on constructing over the next year are enjoyed,” Simmons said.

New and expanded trails, recreation features and Provo River Delta Gateway Park are set open in 2024.

A small dam will be placed in the downstream end of the old Provo River channel to improve aesthetics of the channel below the diversion that will move water into the newly created delta habitats. It will provide for continued recreation on the Lower Provo River and better sport fishery management.

“Now that the main flows of the Provo River have been diverted into the delta, there will be some changes in the existing river below the diversion, Simmons said. “Work will continue on improvements to recreation access, and we will establish the long-term water level in the existing channel.”

Additionally, initial construction of the Small Downstream Dam adjacent to the State Park is underway. Water levels are expected to come up by 2-4 feet over the next couple months, but this will depend on the levels in Utah Lake with increased river flows and precipitation this year, Simmons added.

An aeration system will be installed in the existing channel to improve water quality, aesthetics, and odor. Aeration system pilot testing is being conducted and will continue through the summer into fall. In addition to installing the aeration system, a robust study will occur through the summer to see how this system affects dissolved oxygen in the river, according to project plans.

Construction of the final phases of the diversion and small dam will be completed in 2024. Construction of recreation features, including fishing platforms and non-motorized boat ramps along the existing channel will be the next major step after the existing channel work is completed. Provo City will be constructing the Delta Gateway Park and this community feature will also be completed with a similar timeline, then the project area will open to the public.