Sandy Weighs $157,000 for Highland Drive Study
The Sandy City Council is considering funding a study of a possible Highland Drive extension through Dimple Dell.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in City Hall
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Sandy City Council considers contributing $157,000 toward a study of a possible Highland Drive extension through Dimple Dell. Draper City must also fund its portion for the study to move forward.
Why it matters
The study could determine whether extending Highland Drive is necessary, according to Council Member Kris Nicholl. It would identify alternatives to Sandy's traffic concerns, including taking no action.
The $157,000 would come from budgeted but unspent money and unexpected revenue through Sandy's carryover process. The study cannot advance until Draper City funds its share, and the council's final decision awaits a public hearing and vote on Nov. 17.
The players
Kris Nicholl
Kris Nicholl is a Sandy City Council member who proposed the funding for the Highland Drive study.
Ryan Kump
Ryan Kump is the Sandy Public Works Director who would lead city staff on the study if it moves forward.
Wasatch Front Regional Commission
The Wasatch Front Regional Commission is a regional planning body that would work with Sandy and Draper on the study.
Utah Department of Transportation
The Utah Department of Transportation is the state agency that would collaborate on the Highland Drive study.
The details
Council Member Kris Nicholl proposed the funding, which would be added to revised carryover resolutions. If funded, Public Works Director Ryan Kump and staff would work with Draper counterparts, the Wasatch Front Regional Commission, and the Utah Department of Transportation. Public comment is accepted at the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Timeline
Tuesday: Council may direct staff to add study funding; public comment taken at 5:15 p.m.
Nov. 17: Public hearing and possible vote on the amended carryover package.
City Hall
The proposal follows the regional transportation planning framework of the Wasatch Front Regional Commission, extending its work into a specific Sandy and Draper corridor through Dimple Dell.
Residents near Dimple Dell and Highland Drive could see changes to traffic patterns if the extension advances. The study would weigh alternatives, including taking no action, before any road construction is approved.
The takeaway
Local road decisions often hinge on multi-jurisdiction funding, so residents should watch whether Draper City commits its share. Public comment periods offer a direct way to weigh in before votes are taken.
What happens next
The City Council is expected to hold a public hearing and possible vote on the amended carryover package on Nov. 17.
Further reading
Follow local decisions on road projects and budgets in the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUTV.
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