Various Articles

Image by LA Wad via FlickrIs SLC's growth above parking lots?

New Urbanists to meet in SLC

European Tram Makers to Gain From U.S. Streetcar Push

Just a note, the article confuses light rail and streetcars.

Commuters utilizing rapid-transit bus line

UTA Public Hearings

Image via Wikipedia

Come to the UTA Public Hearings on Re-Evaluation of the Future Draper/BluffDale FrontRunner Commuter Rail Station Site:

· Monday, Nov. 17, 2008 at the Bluffdale Elementary School (14323 South 2700 West, Bluffdale) and

· Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 at the Willow Springs Elementary School [13288 South Lone Rock Drive (465 East), Draper].

The hearings will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. with a brief presentation at 5:30 p.m.

At the hearings, UTA staff will be available to answer questions on the benefits and impacts of four potential station sites. The public can make written or recorded comment at the hearing or may submit comments to: Utah Transit Authority, c/o FLHQ FrontRunner Station, 3600 South 700 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84119. Comments can also be submitted online at www.rideuta.com. All comments will become part of the public record if received or postmarked by November 21, 2008.

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West Valley TRAX Update

Image by wallyg via Flickr

Construction progress continues on the West Valley TRAX Line. To keep business and traffic impacts to a minimum, this five-mile project has been separated into seven construction “reaches,” or segments, for management and planning purposes. The map below shows each construction reach in a different color, starting with Reach 1 in light green on the south end of the project and ending with Reach 7 in dark green on the north end.

Currently, construction is taking place in all reaches.

A description of what is happening in each area is listed below. If you need further construction information, please call our toll-free 24-hour hotline at (888) 800-8854.

Reach 1

Reach Description: Reach 1 is the area along Constitution Boulevard (2700 South) from West Valley City Hall at 3600 South extending north to 3100 South. This area includes both large and small businesses, as well as many residents. Access to all business and residences will be maintained throughout construction. Current Construction: Preliminary construction continues as third party utility relocations take place on Constitution Boulevard in preparation for the beginning of TRAX construction in this area beginning in December. Upcoming Construction: Construction is scheduled to begin on 2700 West from 3500 South to 3100 South the first week of December. This work will mainly include utility relocations and will proceed along the side of the roadway. Impacts to motorists should be minimal when this work begins. As we get closer to construction, we will meet with all residents in this area to discuss how to minimize impacts. In conjunction with work taking place along Market Street for the bus rapid transit project, the intersection at Market Street and Lehmann Avenue has been temporarily closed. Traffic Impacts: Current impacts to motorists should be minimal at this time; however, there will be minor lane restrictions as utility companies work along Constitution Boulevard. As construction proceeds, we will personally visit with residents and businesses to keep them informed.

Reach 2

Reach Description: Reach 2 is the area along 3100 South from Constitution Boulevard to Decker Lake Drive. The E Center and a few other businesses are located in this reach, as well as residents on either side of 3100 South. Access will be maintained throughout construction and we will work with The E Center to coordinate our efforts so you can continue to visit the great events they have to offer. When TRAX is completed along 3100 South, it will operate on the south side of the roadway. Current Construction: A sewer tie-in was completed at The E Center on the south side of 3100 South. Utility pole relocation and other utility work on the north side of 3100 South have also been completed. Upcoming Construction: Construction is anticipated to intensify on the south side of 3100 South just east of Constitution Boulevard within the next couple of months. As we get closer to construction in this area, we will be in contact with the residents and schools to let them know more about how work will proceed. Work is also scheduled to begin near I-215 and 3100 South on Monday, November 17th. Some utility work is planned near The E Center in December. Traffic Impacts: Current impacts to motorists should be minimal because the majority of work takes place along the sides of 3100 South.

Reach 3

Reach Description: Reach 3 is the area along Decker Lake Drive from 3100 South to Research Way (2770 South) and running east to Redwood Road. This area includes many commercial office buildings with thousands of employees who access this area on a daily basis. We will continually work with these businesses to ensure access is provided at all times. Current Construction: Crews have completed the sewer line on the west side of Decker Lake Drive. Construction has now switched to the east side of Decker Lake Drive to begin work on the storm drain. This work is anticipated to take place throughout the next several months. Crews have also started to expose utilities along Research Way located at 2770 South just west of Redwood Road. Access is being maintained and impacts along Research Way should be minimal. Upcoming Construction: There will be a few temporary driveway closures along Decker Lake Drive in certain locations throughout the coming week to replace storm drains. However, access will be maintained to all businesses through alternate driveway approaches. We will work directly with businesses to provide notice and access. Construction is anticipated to take place along Decker Lake Drive throughout the next several months. Traffic is anticipated to switch again from the west side of Decker Lake Drive to the east side in January 2009. Traffic Impacts: · Traffic has switched to the west side of Decker Lake Drive with one lane of traffic operational in each direction, while access to businesses is maintained. Please be mindful of workers in this area and obey posted speed limits.

Reach 4

Reach Description: Reach 4 runs through the Chesterfield residential area along 2770 South and proceeds along the Decker Lake Canal and the Crosstowne Trail. We will work with residents in this area to ensure a safe working environment that provides access to their properties throughout construction. Current Construction: The majority of construction taking place on the West Valley Line is taking place in this area. Construction is on the east side of Redwood Road as crews continue to clear the way for TRAX on the north side of the Brighton and Decker Lake Canals and the Jordan River. Crews have created a corridor for TRAX that extends into Reach 5 and connects to the industrial area along 1070 West and are working with residents in this area to coordinate activities taking place along their backyards. Crews have reinforced a box culvert that runs along the Crosstowne Trail and have backfilled the area with dirt. Crews continue to install the foundations that hold the overhead wiring system for TRAX throughout the Chesterfield area. A permanent fence is also being installed just east of the Brighton Canal to the Khadeeja Islamic Center on Parkway Avenue. Work is also being done on a box culvert at the Brighton Canal. Upcoming Construction: Sound walls for the area located on either side of the Crosstowne Trail between Redwood Road and just west of the canal will be installed this month. Traffic Impacts: · The Crosstowne Trail along 2770 south just east of Redwood Road to the Brighton Canal is currently closed. Once TRAX construction is completed, the trail will once again be operational.

Reach 5

Reach Description: Reach 5 will include construction along 1070 West in the Chesterfield industrial area. This reach will include one bridge structure over the Jordan River and another over 900 West. Current Construction: Crews have started utility work along 1070 West. They are “potholing” or exposing utilities to determine their exact locations under the street. The majority of utility work in this area is taking place on 1070 West just north of Parkway Avenue. Access is being maintained and impacts to motorist should be minimal. Upcoming Construction: Heavier utility work will begin along 1070 West in the industrial section of Chesterfield later this month. There will be some lane restrictions implemented. As we get closer to this part of construction, we will meet with businesses to talk about how to lessen any impacts. Traffic Impacts: Any impacts to motorists should be minimal.

Reach 6

Reach Description: Reach 6 runs through the Union Pacific Railroad’s Roper Yard area. Although there are no businesses and residents in this reach, extensive coordination will take place with the Union Pacific Railroad to ensure that freight deliveries and other train travel will be maintained. Reach 6 will include an extensive bridging system that will enable TRAX to operate above ground, over other train traffic. Current Construction: Crews have installed steel piles 120’ into the ground to form the main foundations for the aerial bridge that will carry TRAX over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. These steel piles are welded together and then pounded into the earth until they reach bedrock to form the bases of the bridge structure. Crews have started to prepare a base course for TRAX. Upcoming Construction: Coordination will continue with the Union Pacific Railroad to install utilities and bridge structures. Traffic Impacts: Not applicable. This is a Union Pacific Railroad work area.

Reach 7

Reach Description: Reach 7 is the area where the West Valley Line will connect with the current North/South TRAX Line. Construction in this reach will take place along Andy Avenue in South Salt Lake. Crews will closely coordinate activities with businesses to ensure access is maintained at all times. A construction survey has been conducted with the businesses along 400 West between Andy Avenue and 2100 South to determine the best time to construct in the Andy Avenue/600 West intersection. We will get back to businesses in this area to deliver the survey results and ensure adequate access. Current Construction: Crews have removed the old track along Andy Avenue and are installing utilities in this area. Night crews removed and replaced old storm drains at the intersection of Andy Avenue and 600 West. Upcoming Construction: The storm drain installation at Andy Avenue will continue throughout the next several weeks as construction continues east toward 300 West. Traffic Impacts: Access will be maintained along Andy Avenue between 300 West and 400 West and through the Andy Avenue/400 West intersection to serve the businesses in this area.

General Information

Access during Construction

UTA is committed to maintaining 24-hour access to all of the businesses and residences along the construction corridor. We will coordinate with businesses in cases where temporary access might be required.

Construction Hours

Construction on the project is permitted to take place between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. In addition, specific activities may require varying work hours, depending upon the conditions and in coordination with city officials.

Construction Tours

If you are interested in learning more about the construction project, please call our toll-free 24-hour hotline at (888) 800-8854.

For More Information

Timely and helpful information is available to assist businesses and residential communities as well as commuters and stakeholders.

If you have further questions not answered by this report or any comments regarding the project, please contact our toll-free 24-hour hotline at (888) 800-8854 or e-mail thope@rideuta.com. You can also visit UTA’s Web site at www.rideuta.com.

Please note that construction information provided is subject to change.

Mid Jordan TRAX line construction update

Image via Wikipedia

Mid-Jordan Light Rail TRAX Construction Update: November 12, 2008*

Please forward this information on to others that would be interested.

*This schedule is subject to change due to weather, materials issues, or unanticipated utility conflicts.

Progress Highlight: Cottonwood Area

Work is continuing in the Cottonwood street area. Crews are planning on paving the west side of Cottonwood Street this week.

Bangerter Bridge

Activity: Crews have removed the median barrier in the area of approximately 8700 South and Bangerter Highway (just south of the Old Bingham Highway overpass). The median has been replaced with water barrels and remains closed through December.

Activity: Crews will be performing work on the center pier of the new TRAX bridge in the area of the approximately 8700 South and Bangerter Highway (just south of the Old Bingham Highway overpass). Traffic Impacts: The left northbound and left and center southbound lanes will be closed from November 17^th through November 21^st.

Sugar Factory Area

Activity: Construction of sound walls along rail corridor right-of-way between 2700 West and 3200 West began on October 6th and will continue through November.

Activity: Utility work is currently ongoing. Traffic Impacts: Shoulder work with possible lane restrictions.

Old Bingham Area

Activity: Crews are installing new railway track and performing roadway reconstruction at 4800 West between Old Bingham Highway and Sunny Meadow Drive. Traffic Impacts: Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10th, 4800 West will be closed at the trackway until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17^th. Please use Wasatch Meadows Drive as a detour. Detour signs are posted.

Activity: Crews are removing a median barrier beneath the Old Bingham Highway Bridge. Traffic Impacts: Old Bingham Highway has one lane open with flagging operations at the Bangerter overcrossing through November 26^th.

Activity: Utility work is currently ongoing. Traffic Impacts: Shoulder work with possible lane restrictions.

Gardner Village Area

Activity: Crews are working on the new bridge construction at 7800 South near Gardner Village. Traffic Impacts: Eastbound traffic has been shifted to the north side of the roadway from November 10^th through November 16^th. Westbound traffic will be shifted to the south side of the roadway November 17^th through November 25^th.

Activity: Access to Gardner Village from the Jordan River Parkway Trail is closed until August 2009.

Activity: Construction on the Jordan River TRAX bridge. Traffic Impacts: A temporary detour began the week of October 13^th on the Jordan River Parkway Trail near approximately 7500 South. The trail will be intermittently detoured through August 2009. Please be aware that the detour does cross a live railway track, and as such, the detour will be closed daily from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. when freight is actively running on the track. Please plan accordingly.

Activity: Grading and utility work is currently ongoing. Traffic Impacts: Shoulder closures with possible lane restrictions.

Cottonwood Area

Activity: Construction on Cottonwood Street began on September 2nd and will continue through December. Traffic Impacts: Lane restrictions and closures as follows:

· Northbound travel on Cottonwood Street will be closed between Winchester Street and 6500 South for the duration of construction. Southbound travel will remain open and traffic will be shifted to the east side of the roadway while crews reconstruct the west side. Once construction on the west side is complete, traffic will be switched to the west side of the roadway to allow crews to reconstruct the east side.

· Cottonwood Street will accommodate southbound traffic only between Winchester Street and 6500 South. Please use 700 West or State Street as detour routes. Detour signs will be posted.

Activity: Construction on 300 West will begin on September 2nd and continue through November 2008. Traffic Impacts: 300 West will be closed to all traffic from 6300 South to Winchester Street, and closed to through traffic at 6100 South. Local business access will be available on 300 West between 6100 South and 6300 South.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the project, please let me know.

Sarah Loughlin

Community Involvement Specialist

Utah Transit Authority

801-236-4783

sloughlin@rideuta.com

South Davis County Meetings

Image via WikipediaUTA is seeking public comment about possible changes in South Davis County. One thing problem with South Davis county is that it is so long and narrow it does not make economic sense to have much in the way of east-west bus routes.

However, this would be an ideal situation for Call N ride like I have discussed in the past. They could base call n' ride vans out of the Woods Cross Front Runner station and a couple of vans could service the area very easily and would be more effective than regular bus routes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Advisory

Contact: Carrie Bohnsack-Ware, 801-634-1864

Date: November 10, 2008

UTA Seeks Public Input for South Davis Service

What: The Utah Transit Authority is hosting three open houses to discuss bus service in South Davis County.

When & Where: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

North Salt Lake City Hall

20 South Highway 89 in North Salt Lake

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

South Davis Rec. Center

550 North 200 West in Bountiful

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Centerville City Hall

250 North Main Street in Centerville

Info: With the addition of FrontRunner commuter rail and renewed interested in transit because of high gas prices, UTA is working with local leaders looking to explore different options for bus service in South Davis County.

At the open houses, the public can review potential new route concepts that better connect South Davis County with FrontRunner. Members of the community are also welcome to discuss any ideas they may have for public transit in the area.

For more information, visit www.rideuta.com.

Blog Postings

Image via Wikipedia*From the Mobilizing the Region Blog:

The Way Out for Long Island

While many think of New York as a place that is very transit and pedestrian friendly, many of the outlining regions face the same problems that we are facing here in Utah. This entry talks about the problems faced in Long Island including the lack of affordable housing, politicians refusal to fund important transit projects and of course NIMBYism.

New Haven Passes Complete Streets Legislation, Launches Safety Campaign

The city of New Haven, Connecticut has passed complete streets legislation in order to make the city more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

*From the California High Speed Rail Blog:

Next Steps

Now that California voter have approved construction of the high speed rail line, what are the next steps to be taken?

How Useful is High Speed Rail, Really?

A letter to the editor from a Merced, California newspaper rightly mentions how important the connections to high speed rail will be. It will mean that transit agencies who are often self serving and not looking beyond their tunnel vision will need to work with the officials at High Speed Rail to create a complete system.

*From the Denver Transit Stop:

Price appreciation near light rail

Prices of houses within a half mile radius of light rail stations in Denver appreciated at 4% last year while the rest of the housing market in Denver depreciated at a rate of 7.5%.

*From the Transit Sleuth Blog:

Non-Market Funding, What's the Solution?

Adron over at the Transit Sleuth blog has some interesting ideas about how transit and transportation in general is funded.

*From the Transit Miami Blog:

Tri-Rail Switches to Biodiesel

Tri-Rail which is Miami's version of Front Runner, has switched their locomotives from regular diesel to Biodiesel. Miami also has a set of Colorado Railcar DMU's but they will not switch due to warrenty considerations.

Move The UDB For Lennar? Just Say No.

Developer in Miami wants the Urban Development Boundry moved so that it can develop 900 acres near the Everglades for a new "self-contained" development.

Obama’s Potential Secretary of Transportation

One of the potential candidates for DOT secratary is Representative Earl Blumenauer out of Oregon who is a regular speaker at Railvolution, rides a bike every day to the capital and has ben supportive of transit projects.

*From the Trains for America Blog:

Amid declining numbers of flights, Chicago sees more visitors arriving by train

While rail travel numbers are still small, as airlines start haveing to charge higher fares and decrease flights, rail service is becoming a serious alterntive for some travelers.

Private developer builds his own Amtrak station

New Buffalo, Michigan is getting a new train station thanks to a local developer.

*From Streetsblog LA:

Having a Kid Doesn’t Mean Having a Car

Story about Carla Saulter whose Seattle PI newpapers blog is called "Bus Chick". She talks about the benefits of taking her "Chicklet" on transit.

With Election Over, It’s Time To Focus on Federal Transportation Policy

Good comments about what we need to start focusing on.

*From Streetsblog (New York):

City Planning Unveils Bike-Friendly Zoning Regs

The City of New York is working toward changing zoning regulations to help the needs of bicyclists in the city.

Transit Articles....

Regional transit could see more funds under Obama

Draper's transit area OK'd

Saratoga Springs residents to get express bus service

U. picks an out-of-state firm for stadium-lot development

S.L. approves 20 mph downtown limits

Utah County cities eager to get rolling on express bus line