I figure I'll post about this here.
With the countdown to 2034 underway there are quite a few transit projects in the works in Utah, and the pressure is on to get as much done before the games as possible.
Frontrunner Forward and Frontrunner 2X:
Frontrunner Forward is a larger plan to completely overhaul the Frontrunner commuter rail system. It lays out the path to extensions north and south, increased frequency, grade-separation, and electrification.
Frontrunner 2X is "Phase 0" of Frontrunner Forward, it is funded and is scheduled to break ground next year. This project will increase double track from 25% to 49% allowing for train frequency to double from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.
TRAX Techlink:
Techlink will create a new TRAX line from the Salt Lake City airport to the University of Utah, a journey that currently requires a transfer downtown. This line could run 24/7 due to it being unobstructed by nightly freight track rights on the southern portions of the existing TRAX network. Techlink would also create new right of way through downtown along 400 W to realign the existing Red Line and decongest the current line through downtown.
New TRAX vehicles will be ordered to replace the SD100 and SD160 fleet that currently run on the Blue Line, additional vehicles will be ordered to operare the Techlink "Orange Line". A contract award should be announced within a week.
Point of the Mountain Light Rail:
With new development at "The Point" in Draper, UDOT plans to snub UTA's Point BRT and build light rail instead.
Other Potential Projects:
Rio Grande Plan: The Rio Grande Plan has been officially endorsed by the Salt Lake County Council and has caught the eye of the state legislature.
Statewide regional rail: UDOT missed the last opportunity for Corridor ID grants, but intends to reapply when the next round of applications opens. At the same time, the Utah Rail Passengers Association is making it's own push for statewide rail.
New Amtrak LD routes: The FRA's Long-Distance study recommends 2 new routes service Utah.
With the countdown to 2034 underway there are quite a few transit projects in the works in Utah, and the pressure is on to get as much done before the games as possible.
Frontrunner Forward and Frontrunner 2X:
Frontrunner Forward is a larger plan to completely overhaul the Frontrunner commuter rail system. It lays out the path to extensions north and south, increased frequency, grade-separation, and electrification.
Frontrunner 2X is "Phase 0" of Frontrunner Forward, it is funded and is scheduled to break ground next year. This project will increase double track from 25% to 49% allowing for train frequency to double from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.
TRAX Techlink:
Techlink will create a new TRAX line from the Salt Lake City airport to the University of Utah, a journey that currently requires a transfer downtown. This line could run 24/7 due to it being unobstructed by nightly freight track rights on the southern portions of the existing TRAX network. Techlink would also create new right of way through downtown along 400 W to realign the existing Red Line and decongest the current line through downtown.
New TRAX vehicles will be ordered to replace the SD100 and SD160 fleet that currently run on the Blue Line, additional vehicles will be ordered to operare the Techlink "Orange Line". A contract award should be announced within a week.
Point of the Mountain Light Rail:
With new development at "The Point" in Draper, UDOT plans to snub UTA's Point BRT and build light rail instead.
Other Potential Projects:
Rio Grande Plan: The Rio Grande Plan has been officially endorsed by the Salt Lake County Council and has caught the eye of the state legislature.
Statewide regional rail: UDOT missed the last opportunity for Corridor ID grants, but intends to reapply when the next round of applications opens. At the same time, the Utah Rail Passengers Association is making it's own push for statewide rail.
New Amtrak LD routes: The FRA's Long-Distance study recommends 2 new routes service Utah.
