Extending the S-Line southward to the Brickyard isn't a bad idea. What bugs me the most about most S-Line extension proposals is that the line isn't connecting to a destination - it feels like the push to extend is driven by a desire just to extend it
anywhere. Case in point - everyone is still arguing as to whether it should go north on 11th and end at a gas station, or go east to a high school.
So having an actual established place for the streetcar to go is a huge plus.
Next I started looking at ROW. You might say 'it's a street car, it should go in the street!' But just for fun, I wondered if I could extend the S-Line linear park concept all the way to the Brickyard, so that not only would there be slow rail service between the Brickyard and Sugarhouse, but there would also be a super-awesome bike/pedestrian trail.
It turns out, there is a canal that runs roughly between the two neighborhoods and, even though it is partially built-over, a lot of it isn't. Here is a streetview of the (covered) canal as it appears from Zenith Avenue. Notice how it looks a lot like the S-Line corridor used to look pre S-Line?
Now, I'm not saying this is the best option, or even a good option, but I think it is a reasonable possibility and ought to receive some study. This is what would need to happen:
The S-Line would curve south and follow 1100E and Ashton Avenue until reaching I-15. There is room beneath the I-15 bridge for at least one more rail line. (((This is also a great spot for a transfer between the S-Line and a future rail line in the median of I-80 to Park City!)))
Once south of I-15, the line would run along Elizabeth street. This is a wide street with very low usage; perhaps the S-Line would run in traffic, or perhaps it could go on the side.
At Crystal Avenue, the streetcar line would leave Elizabeth Avenue and enter the canal alignment. From the maps, it looks like one or two home owners have extended their back yards into the canal area. These would have to be bought back.
The canal ROW continues. Some access roads and alleyways would need to be removed for this project.
The Canal section on its own is about 1 mile. It would make for an awesome trail.
I don't know what to do with the line once it reaches the Brickyard, so I ended it on the north side of the main road.
All total, it is about 1.6 miles long. This could add about 5 new stops to the S-Line and nearly double its length.
I think its an idea worth considering.