I took my geek up to the next level to try and determine what a FrontRunner double-tracking project might look like, and what it might cost. I used the published schedule to determine how long it takes trains to get from one station to another, and then added the northbound to the southbound to determine if it was longer or shorter than 15 minutes. If longer, that section would need double tracking to accommodate a more frequent schedule.
I used station-pairs because this way no extra switching is needed. Switching tracks at stations and sidings add extra time and unreliability to the schedule. My plan is to double-track between stations in an attempt to get rid of switching tracks and sidings.
Here's what I came up with:
The final result is that more-or-less, every other section of track gets a second track. The north section was sort of tricky, but by combining longer sections with fewer obstacles to construction, I think I have come up with the most feasible design. The section between north temple and woods cross wouldn't be double tracked more than it is, but the switch would be upgraded to a 32.7 turnout, capable of 80 mph (as opposed to the current switch, which has a top speed of 45 mph).
Keep in mind that the station-to-station times are from the current schedule, which adds in time for meets at certain stations. Having extra double-track would speed up meets and would decrease the total travel time between stops as well.
The total cost would be $414 million, which would make FrontRunner almost 2/3 double tracked (not counting pleasant view, as UTA does not own that part). I would also want UTA to fully extend the platforms at all stations, which could bring the costs up to $450 million. Then, if UTA buys enough equipment to add 8 more consists (for 15 minute service) and extend the current consists by 1 car, that would add another $100 million (Bombardier bilevel coaches alone cost just over $2 million each). This would bring the total cost of the double-track project to about $550 million.
For comparison, the SLC-Pleasant View cost
$611 million and the South section cost
$850 million (supposedly the flyover bridge at South Jordan cost about $200 million of that, but I couldn't find a source).
I can possibly see something like this being put to a local bonding vote, much like FrontLines 2015 was back in 2007. When exactly a project like this comes to the ballot probably depends on a lot of things, but I think within 5-10 years is likely.
Either way, this is going to be a big huge project, and UTA won't be able to do it on its own.
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