West Valley TRAX Update

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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 businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction. Current Construction: TRAX construction is taking place in conjunction with UTA’s bus rapid transit project on Market Street. Crews are working in between West Valley City Hall and the Public Safety Building. Watch for project signs in the work areas that display West Valley TRAX Line fact sheets for more information. Other work taking place in this area includes third party utility relocations along Constitution Boulevard, and excavation and utility work near West Valley City Center. Upcoming Construction: Construction is scheduled to begin on 2700 West from 3500 South to 3100 South during 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 to discuss how to minimize impacts. We want to thank the residents bordering Constitution Boulevard for working with us during the pre-construction phase of this project. As work progresses, we will keep in contact to help mitigate any issues that may arise. Traffic Impacts: Current impacts to motorists should be minimal; however, there will be minor lane restrictions as utility companies work along Constitution Boulevard.

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 in this reach 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: Construction has begun on the TRAX bridge over I-215 on the south side of 3100 South. The foundation work for this structure includes driving steel pile into the ground using a machine that may generate significant noise and vibration for local residents. To help alleviate impacts, pile driving activities will take place over the next few weeks and will be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Construction will also include minor lane restrictions periodically on I-215 throughout the next couple of months. Upcoming Construction: Construction will continue on the TRAX bridge over I-215 for the next several months. Utility work will also begin on 3100 South near The E Center and Decker Lake Drive during the first couple of weeks of January 2009. Traffic Impacts: There will be some lane restrictions on I-215 as crews progress with bridge construction. We will work with the partnering agencies to notify travelling motorists about possible lane restrictions in this area.

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 to ensure a safe working environment that provides access to their properties throughout construction. Current Construction: The majority of construction on the West Valley Line has taken place in this reach on the east side of Redwood Road. Crews are now installing a permanent wall along both sides of the Crosstowne Trail. Significant drainage and irrigation work has been accomplished as well as foundation work for TRAX’s overhead wiring system. A permanent fence has been installed just east of the Brighton Canal to the Khadeeja Islamic Center on Parkway Avenue. Upcoming Construction: Sound wall installation in the Chesterfield neighborhood is anticipated to take place over the next couple of months. 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: The majority of construction is third party utility work taking place on 1070 West just north of Parkway Avenue. There will be some lane restrictions as a joint trench for utilities and sewer line is dug along 1070 West, along with pile driving for a retaining wall. Traffic Impacts: As construction proceeds, there will be some lane restrictions. However, we will maintain access at all times.

Reach 6

Reach Description: Reach 6 runs through the Union Pacific Railroad’s Roper Yard area. Although there are no businesses and residents, extensive coordination will take place with the Union Pacific Railroad to ensure that freight deliveries and other train travel is 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. Crews are currently pouring concrete to form the columns for the bridge. Utility work is also taking place. Upcoming Construction: Coordination will continue with the Union Pacific Railroad to install utilities and bridge structures. Traffic Impacts: Not applicable.

Reach 7

Reach Description: Reach 7 is the area where the West Valley Line will connect with the current North/South TRAX Line. Construction 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. Current Construction: Storm drain installation along Andy Avenue has been completed. We thank the businesses in this area for their support during this phase of construction. Upcoming Construction: The next phase of construction will begin near Andy Avenue next Spring. We will continue to work with businesses to maintain access and mitigate any issues that may arise. Traffic Impacts: Access will be maintained at all times during construction. 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. Additionally, specific activities may require different working hours depending upon the conditions and will be coordinated 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 WikipediaMid-Jordan Light Rail TRAX Construction Update: December 10, 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.



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 will remain closed through December.



Sugar Factory Area



Activity: Construction of sound walls along rail corridor right-of-way between approximately 2500 West and 2200 West began on November 17th and will continue through December.



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



Old Bingham Area



Activity: Crews will be working on the at-grade crossing on Wasatch Meadows Drive at the railroad tracks. Traffic Impacts: Wasatch Meadows Drive will be closed at the trackway near Old Bingham Highway from December 8th through December 15th.



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



Gardner Village Area



UPDATED Activity: Crews are working on the new bridge construction at 7800 South near Gardner Village. Traffic Impacts: Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the north side of the roadway December 1st through December 19th.



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 13th 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



NEW Activity: Crews will be performing utility work on 300 West between Winchester Street and the I-215 overpass. Traffic Impacts: 300 West will be closed at the I-215 overpass, and business access will be available from 6100 South. The timeline for this work is dependent on several variables, but work is expected to last one day and will take place on Wednesday, December 17th, Thursday, December 17th, or Friday, December 19th. Please use State Street or 700 West as detour routes. Detour signs will be posted.



NEW Activity: Concrete work on Winchester Street, within 1000 feet east and west of Cottonwood Street. Traffic Impacts: Winchester Street will be restricted to one lane with flagging operations during daytime hours. Please use State Street or 700 West as alternate routes.



UPDATED Activity: New railroad bridge construction over Winchester Street next to the existing railroad bridge, located approximately 1000 feet west of Cottonwood Street. Traffic Impacts: Winchester Street will be closed between 520 West and Cottonwood Street beginning December 1st at 7:00 a.m. through December 12th at 5:00 p.m. Please use 7200 South as a detour. Detour signs will be posted.



UPDATED Activity: Construction on Cottonwood Street began on September 2nd and will continue through December. Traffic Impacts: Two-way traffic has been re-established on the west side of the street. Paving and curb and gutter has been completed on the east side of the street and crews are working on sidewalk and driveways through December.



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

Senior Citizens, Driving, and Development

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Every time there is an accident involving a senior citizen, there is always a question of should they have had a license? The worst accident I ever had was when a senior citizen got confused in an intersection and turned in front of on coming traffic which happened to be me. Despite getting behind the wheel of stock cars and racing, I was never injured but this accident not only put me out of work for a month, I couldn’t get back behind the wheel of a race car again.

Senior citizens have become the biggest victims of 70 years of auto centric development. The only way most senior citizens can get their basic needs is to continue driving despite impairments, depend on family members, or move into a retirement home.

When I was growing up in Pasadena, California my mother managed several apartment complexes along a street block. More than 70% of the residents were widows or widowers from 60 to 80 years old. Most of them did not have a car because they didn’t need one. There was a small grocery store on the cross street to the south and major doctors offices on the cross street to the north. The RTD (now Metro) ran regular bus service along the cross street to the south. Other major services were very close by.

Contrast that with the situation my in-laws are in. My father in-law is blind in one eye and cannot drive at night. My mother in-law has to do the driving at night but her driving skills have been compromised with age. The problem is, because they live in an area were they have to drive just to by groceries or go to the doctor, they continue to drive.

Many senior citizens feel that their lives are over without their cars because there is not alternative for them. This is largely what has fueled the market for retirement homes. Because these places are expensive, many senior citizens wait until it’s almost too late before deciding to move into one. In addition much like a mall (or Gateway), a retirement home is design to make the person dependent on the facility and not make it easy to access anything else. The residents can either drive if they are still capable or ride the facility provided vans to different stores.

In addition many of these facilities are placed in areas were it is convenient for family members to come visit grandma on Sunday, but not convenient for the residents to use public transportation or to walk to neighborhood stores.

The ones at 11400 South and 700 East are a perfect example of this. There is not public transportation available, nothing is in walking distance so the residents either have to drive or more likely is dependent on the facility provided vans.

After my father passed away my mother ended up in a situation very much like her former residents in California. She lived in a section of Spokane were she could walk to the store (or they would deliver), walk to a café, dry cleaners, doctors offices and other small stores, or had regular bus service from her front door to downtown. Despite not having a car she was able to live on her own until a stroke caused some major health issues and she had to be put in a nursing home.

Which situation would you rather be in? Forced to drive or go into a retirement home, or have the freedom to live on your own and not have to depend on others? Personally, I prefer the latter.

Blog Entries of Note...

Image via WikipediaFrom the Bike Utah Valley Blog comes:

Are You Green?

I have pointed out before, highway supporters always try to demonize transit supporters by calling them anti-car and the like. I am not anti-car, in fact I can see a bright future for the auto industry even if more people switched to transit but it would take a change of attitude of some executives in the auto industry.

From the Mobilizing the Region Blog:

NYC Comptroller: Car Fees Could Raise $1B for Transit

Proposal to charge an annual fee in addition to the regular state license fees for vehicles. The fees would also charge more for bigger vehicles such as large SUV's.

What We’re Thankful For in 2008

Here in Utah we have a lot to be thankful for this year. We have several new TOD projects going up, we have seen groundbreaking on all the new transit lines except the Draper extension, we had the grand opening of Front Runner along with the TRAX extension to Central Station. People in this region have a lot to be thankful for.

From the California High Speed Rail blog:

Biden Calls for Rail Investment

It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few months. During the current administration we defiantly saw a move away from new rail projects despite the voters in many states (including here in Utah) with their wallets by supporting rail transit.

Electric Stimuli

The benefits of electrifying rail lines.

From the Track Twenty Nine Blog:

Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

A Subway for the Prairie

The Track Twenty Nine blog gives a brief glimpse into the Caltrain commuter rail service between San Jose and San Francisco plus the Edmonton Light Rail line.

From the Transit Miami Blog:

Dolphin Ricky Williams Waxes Nostalgic For Toronto’s Rich Urbanism

Interesting that a NFL player misses the urban living of Toronto where he could actually walk to everything.

From the Trains for America Blog:

Will the election of Obama change anything when it comes to our transportation priorities? The Trains in America blog seems to feel that nothing is going to change.

From the Overhead Wire Blog:

On Systems Efficiency

Perhaps I Have Had Too Much Hope

Another blog posting that questions whether we will get any true change from the up coming administration or will it be more of the same.

From Streetsblog:

Will Transit, Bikes, and Peds Get a Stimulus We Can Believe In?

More discussion on what President Elect Obama will do with his Stimulus package and if it is going to be auto centric.

From the Sprawled Out Blog:

New crisis means new rules for community development

We all know that all of the new developments in our area are dependent on chains. While now that dependency is biting many in the butt now. Many of the so called big boys are struggling this year and closings are way up. Is it time to start giving incentives for locally owned business like the big boys get?

From the Seattle Transit Blog:

City Council Panel Approves Streetcar Plan

Seattle comes closer to approving expansion of its short streetcar line.

From the RT Rider Blog comes:

Street-level commerce

John compares Sacramento street level where he lives to the Oakland street life where he works.

Front Runner South Construction Update

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Greetings,

Construction is progressing on UTA’s FrontRunner South Provo to Salt Lake Commuter Rail line.

Below is the FrontRunner South quick construction update for the week of December 5.

For a more comprehensive construction update, click here.

Area 16 — Downtown Salt Lake City to 4500 South (Murray)

Construction Activity: A lot of progress has been made with fiber optic relocations in Area 16 between Murray and Salt Lake City along the eventual FrontRunner trackway. Traffic Impacts: There are currently no traffic impacts in this area. Salt Lake Central Station: Station complete.

Area 15 — 4500 South (Murray) to 7800 South (Midvale)

Construction Activity: Significant progress has also been made with fiber optic relocations taking place in Area 15. It is anticipated that the fiber optic relocation work is more than 50% complete in this area. Traffic Impacts: None. Murray-5300 South Station: No station construction activities to report.

Area 14 — 7800 South (Midvale) to Bangerter Highway (Draper/Bluffdale)

Construction Activity: Progress continues in Area 14 behind Salt Lake Community College’s campus at 9800 South in anticipation for work on a flyover bridge to be built in this area. Crews have driven steel pile into the ground to build the base of this structure. Traffic Impacts: There are no traffic impacts to report at this time. South Jordan/Sandy Station: No station construction activities to report.

Area 13 — Bangerter Highway (Draper/Bluffdale) to Thanksgiving Point (Lehi)

Construction Activity: Crews continue to establish access in this area and prepare the site along the railroad corridor in Bluffdale and Lehi and throughout the Jordan Narrows. Excavation is currently taking place along the east side of the Jordan Narrows. Crews have started work on the South Jordan Canal in this area as well as embankment improvements. Traffic Impacts: Impacts to motorists should be minimal as work proceeds along the railroad right-of-way. Draper/Bluffdale Station: No station construction activities to report. Lehi Station: No station construction activities to report.

Area 12 — Thanksgiving Point (Lehi) to Main Street (American Fork)

Construction Activity: Construction will once again begin in this area around the first week of February. A lot of progress has already been made at the Lehi Park and Ride Lot near Thanksgiving Point. When construction resumes, crews will continue work at the park and ride lot and the pedestrian tunnel that will run underneath the Union Pacific trackway. Traffic Impacts: There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area. American Fork-Main St. Station: Currently construction is not taking place at this station.

Area 11 — Main Street (American Fork) to 800 South (Orem)

Construction Activity: Drainage improvements continue to take place along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks from Orem to American Fork. Third party utility work is also progressing north through this area. Traffic Impacts: There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area. Orem Station: No station construction activities to report.

Area 10 — 800 South (Orem) to Center Street (Provo)

Construction Activity: Progress continues in Area 10 along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor between University Parkway in Orem and West Center Street in Provo. Crews continue to prepare a path for FrontRunner by grading and clearing the right-of-way and relocating water lines. Since an additional track is being constructed for FrontRunner operations, any existing box culvert or waterway must be extended under the newly built trackway. Mainline duct bank installation also continues in Area 10. This duct bank will hold the fiber optics for the FrontRunner System. Traffic Impacts: Impacts to motorists are currently anticipated to be minimal as most work in this area is taking place along the rail corridor. Provo Station-University Ave. Station: No station construction activities to report.

West Valley TRAX Update

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 businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction. Current Construction: In conjunction with construction on the bus rapid transit project on Market Street, the intersection at Market Street and Lehmann Avenue is closed for construction. Other work taking place in this area includes third party utility relocations along Constitution Boulevard and excavation and utility work near West Valley City Center. Upcoming Construction: Construction is scheduled to begin on 2700 West from 3500 South to 3100 South in December. This work will mainly include utility relocations and will proceed along the side of the roadway. Impacts to motorists should be minimal. As we get closer to construction, we will meet with all residents in this area to discuss how to minimize impacts. We want to thank the residents bordering Constitution Boulevard for working with us during the pre-construction phase of this project. As work progresses, we will keep in contact with them to help mitigate any issues that may arise. Traffic Impacts: Current impacts to motorists should be minimal; however, there will be minor lane restrictions as utility companies work along Constitution Boulevard.

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 enjoy 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: Construction has begun on the TRAX bridge over I-215 on the south side of 3100 South. The foundation work for this structure includes driving steel pile into the ground using a machine that may generate significant noise and vibration. To help alleviate impacts, pile driving activities will take place over the next few weeks and will be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Upcoming Construction: Construction will continue on the TRAX bridge over I-215 for the next several months. Utility work will also begin on 3100 South near The E Center and Decker Lake Drive during the first couple of weeks in January 2009. Traffic Impacts: There will be some lane restrictions on I-215 as crews progress with bridge construction. We will work with the partnering agencies to notify travelling motorists about possible lane restrictions.

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 are currently working on a storm drain on the east side of Decker Lake Drive. A lot of progress has been made and traffic is expected to switch to the other side of the street sometime in January 2009. Access is being maintained in this area and we thank the businesses and motorists for their support during construction. Upcoming Construction: Construction is anticipated to take place along Decker Lake Drive throughout the next several months. Traffic Impacts: Access to businesses is being maintained. Traffic is anticipated to switch again from the west side of Decker Lake Drive to the east side sometime in January 2009. 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 to ensure a safe working environment that provides access to their properties throughout construction. Current Construction: The majority of construction on the West Valley Line has taken place in this reach on the east side of Redwood Road. Crews are now installing a permanent wall along both sides of the Crosstowne Trail. Significant drainage and irrigation work has been accomplished in this reach as well as foundation work for TRAX’s overhead wiring system. A permanent fence has been installed just east of the Brighton Canal to the Khadeeja Islamic Center on Parkway Avenue. Upcoming Construction: Sound wall installation in the Chesterfield neighborhood is anticipated to take place over the next couple of months. 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: The majority of construction is taking place on 1070 West just north of Parkway Avenue, involving mainly third party utility work. There will be some lane restrictions implemented at this time. A joint trench for utilities and sewer line work is also taking place along 1070 West, in addition to pile driving for a retaining wall. Traffic Impacts: As construction proceeds, there will be some lane restrictions, although we will maintain access in this area at all times.

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 and 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 in this reach 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 to deliver the survey results and ensure adequate access. Current Construction: Storm drain installation along Andy Avenue has been completed. We thank the businesses for their support during construction. Upcoming Construction: The next phase of construction will begin near Andy Avenue in the Spring. We will continue to work with businesses to maintain access and mitigate any issues that may arise. Traffic Impacts: Access will be maintained at all times during construction 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 different working hours depending upon the conditions and will be coordinated 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 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.