Strawberry High Line Canal Set for Major Upgrade
Jacobs has been selected by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD) to provide engineering services for the proposed Strawberry High Line Improvement Project.
The project carries an estimated construction value of $750 million. It aims to transform the historic Strawberry High Line Canal into a modern, pressurized water system.
The project will replace the existing open canal with a buried pipeline. It will also create space for an integrated regional trail along the corridor.
Project to Improve Regional Water Reliability
The proposed system will serve agricultural users and growing communities across south Utah County and eastern Juab County.
The project also aims to support long-term regional growth. A modern pipeline system can improve water delivery while reducing the limitations associated with an open canal.
Jacobs Executive Vice President Tom Meinhart highlighted the importance of the project.
“Modernizing critical water infrastructure is essential to managing community vitality,” Meinhart said. He added that the project could improve system performance while supporting agriculture, communities and future development.
Historic Canal to Become Pressurized Pipeline
The Strawberry High Line Canal dates back to around 1916. The canal formed part of the Strawberry Valley Project.
It currently carries water from Strawberry Reservoir and the Spanish Fork River. The water supports both agricultural and municipal uses.
Jacobs will work with Bowen Collins & Associates on the project. Together, the companies will provide design and construction-phase support.
The planned improvements include new pipelines, a pump station and related infrastructure. The upgraded system could support water delivery for a future population of approximately 420,000 people.
Regional Trail to Improve Community Connectivity
The project will also create a new opportunity for recreational development.
By placing the water conveyance system underground, the corridor can support an integrated regional trail. The trail could improve connectivity between surrounding communities.
The combination of water infrastructure and recreational space would provide benefits beyond water delivery. It could also support regional mobility and outdoor recreation.
Jacobs Expands Water Infrastructure Expertise
Jacobs works across the entire water cycle. Its services cover water supply, wastewater, water reuse and resilience.
The company’s portfolio includes major water infrastructure projects in the United States and abroad.
These projects include the San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility and the Donald C. Tillman Advanced Water Purification Facility. Jacobs has also worked on London’s Thames Tideway Tunnel and Auckland’s Central Interceptor.
The Strawberry High Line Improvement Project adds another major water infrastructure program to Jacobs’ portfolio.
Supporting Utah’s Growth
Utah continues to experience significant population and economic growth. As communities expand, reliable water infrastructure will become increasingly important.
The Strawberry High Line project aims to address that demand. It will modernize an aging water conveyance system while supporting agricultural users and future urban development.
The planned improvements could therefore strengthen long-term water reliability across the region.
About Jacobs
Jacobs provides consulting, design, engineering and program management services for complex infrastructure projects.
The company operates across sectors including advanced manufacturing, cities and places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water.
Jacobs reports approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of approximately 47,000 employees. Its services cover advisory, consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program management and lifecycle management.
