Salt Lake Transit News Thread

[ucsbgaucho]

Originally Posted by Paniolo Man

It is my interpretation that UPRR is playing hard to get as many concessions as possible. Salt Lake City is getting hard about trains blocking crossings, It's a PR hurt that UPRR can't seem to shake. Rio Grande plan trades curves for slight grades and the ability to stop trains for as long as they please.

They just want to make sure that they seem opposed since a hard stance will likely get them the best deal.

You're probably correct, and I'm sure if they don't have to pitch in any money, they will have to concede the process in general and allow it to happen. Interesting the difference in airlines vs railroads, Delta pours over $1 billion into the airport expansion while UPRR says no thanks to contributing anything. Obviously the airport expansion has a direct benefit financially to Delta, wouldn't the RGP have a financial benefit to UPRR as well?

[rockies]

Are they paying for it? Aren't they getting free grade separated tracks with probably no disruption to current tracks during construction?

One of the most beautiful things about the RGP is that it is not without precedent

[kickback256]

Originally Posted by ucsbgaucho

Obviously the airport expansion has a direct benefit financially to Delta, wouldn't the RGP have a financial benefit to UPRR as well?

Not as much of an obvious incentive, but yes. Crossing maintenance is extremely expensive and labor intensive (both for track surface and signal reasons), as well as regular track upkeep and replacement. Ballasted track with lateral curves on wood ties (their current setup in the stretch in question) tends to deteriorate much more quickly than other types of track, and UP would get 4 1/half miles of brand new (presumably, according to the study) ballastless Continuous Welded Rail with fewer lateral curves, which is *much* easier on upkeep. Add all the new special trackwork (switches, signals, etc.), and there’s definitely some upsides. But yeah, they’re definitely playing hardball here. Typical for-profit multi-billion-dollar corporation behavior.

[Paniolo Man]

UTA is in the process of updating their signage.

[Paniolo Man]

The FRA did not include either of the two Utah routes in their corridor ID program.

[Paniolo Man]

The full study can be read here.

[RC14]

The West Davis Corridor is opening ahead of schedule (January 6th). 16 miles of highway and 10 miles of hiking/biking trails.
https://kslnewsradio.com/2063967/the-west-davis-corridor-will-open-earlier-than-expected/

[bob rulz]

Originally Posted by Paniolo Man

UTA is in the process of updating their signage.

Why move the logo and name away from the left side and put it in tiny print underneath? Weird design choice.

[kickback256]

Originally Posted by Paniolo Man

The full study can be read here.

Good catch!.

[Atlas]

TRAX Blue Line extension not considered because of anticipated public opposition. Lame.

The ROW is already there.

[Paniolo Man]

Letter: Olympic infrastructure funds leading up to 2034 should be spent on transit, starting with the Rio Grande plan

By Nathan Strain | The Public Forum | Dec. 10, 2023, 6:00 a.m.

[Utahn]

Very disappointing, but I think it makes sense given the focus on routes where there was high levels of institutional support. Trying to be optimistic that UDOT and at least some Utah public officials might see this as wake up call?

Paniolo Man,

What do you think the chances are that we still see some or both of these routes restored except through the FRA long-distance rail study?

Originally Posted by Paniolo Man

The FRA did not include either of the two Utah routes in their corridor ID program.

[Paniolo Man]

Originally Posted by Utahn

Very disappointing, but I think it makes sense given the focus on routes where there was high levels of institutional support. Trying to be optimistic that UDOT and at least some Utah public officials might see this as wake up call?

Paniolo Man,

What do you think the chances are that we still see some or both of these routes restored except through the FRA long-distance rail study?

I think it's likely they they get chosen for the LD study, but I was also very optimistic about the corridor ID program so now I don't know what to think.

[RC14]

I know I'm from here and I'm supposed to be excited about this but why would we have been selected for this? Salt Lake, Vegas and Boise are three of the most spread out, small to mid size cities(relative to other large cities) in America with very little population and allot of mountains and terrain in between. It doesn't seem like a natural place to invest allot of money for a rail line? What an I missing?

[Nebula3lem123]

^From what I've heard, while Boise and Idaho were very enthusiatstic about the rail connection, UDOT and Utah were just going along for the show, and their lack of enthusiasm led to us missing out on the study funds. It seems that it was a similar story for the LV connection.

[Paniolo Man]

Why tax repeal in 3 cities won't change plans to expand FrontRunner into Box Elder County

By Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted - Dec. 11, 2023 at 9:01 p.m.

[kickback256]

UDOT wants to build a $945M light rail system for Point of the Mountain transit project

Salt Lake City's chance at hosting 2034 Olympic Games could speed up TRAX expansion project

[Atlas]

Here's the rail alignment I support! Hopefully the Olympics can push both the RGP and TechLink to get done!

[Makid]

My only change would be to remove the dead end for the Green Line and push it to 6th West and 4th South, then East to 4th West and then South along the ballpark spur to complete a loop.

I would eventually like to see a downtown loop route but I think we need a larger population to make it feasible, outside of a few events each year.

[Nebula3lem123]

Originally Posted by Atlas

I agree! It is by far the most logical extension imo, with the caveat of allowing a potential connection on 7th south to allow looping or doing a loop using 4th south.