Front Runner South Construction Update

Image by Transit Nerds via Flickr

Greetings,

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

Below is the FrontRunner South construction update for February 16-22.

To learn more about the FrontRunner South project, click here.

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

Construction Activity: Crews will be installing micro-fiber throughout the area this week. 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: Fiber optic work continues in the area with crews installing micro-fiber. Traffic Impacts: There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area. 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 as crews construct a bridge that flies over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. This is the area where FrontRunner will move from the east side to the west side of the tracks. Crews are also constructing a bridge adjacent to the current Union Pacific Railroad bridge at 144th South. Crews will continue to work on the walls of the structure this week. Fiber optic work will take place throughout the area with crews installing micro-duct this week. Traffic Impacts: A temporary traffic light has been placed at 144th South and the Union Pacific Bridge to help with traffic flow. If the signal light is flashing, construction crews have flaggers on the road to help speed up traffic although there may be some delays while crews are moving equipment. Crews anticipate removing the temporary traffic light within the next week or so and will be placing stop signs in their original locations at the bridge. We thank motorists in this area for their patience and support during construction and ask that you be cautious while driving in the area. South Jordan/Sandy Station: Crews will begin to construct a lay-down area at the site of the future Park & Ride to stage materials for the project.

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. Excavation and embankment work throughout the area will continue this week as will fiber optic micro-duct installation. Crews will form and pour concrete for the walls and deck of the East Jordan Canal bridge and bring in a crane to prepare for construction of a bridge spanning the Jordan River. 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.

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

Construction Activity: Crews will place drains and form and pour concrete for the floor of the pedestrian tunnel that will run underneath the Union Pacific trackway at the Lehi Station. They will also begin excavation and embankment work for the new Union Pacific Railroad Siding on the west side of the corridor near the Lehi station. Crews will continue fiber optic relocation work in the area this week with boring taking place at roadways. Traffic Impacts: There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area. Lehi Station: No station construction activities to report.

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

Construction Activity: Construction continues on a bridge spanning the American Fork River. Crews will form and pour the south abutments and wing walls this week. Crews will be installing micro-duct throughout the area to prepare for fiber optic relocations and also will be working on water lines at 100 West. Traffic Impacts: A road closure is planned for 100 West from Wednesday, February 11 until Wednesday, February 25 so crews can install casings on two water lines. Traffic at 100 West will be detoured onto Storrs Avenue during this time. American Fork-Main St. Station: Crews have constructed a lay-down area at the site of the future Park & Ride to stage materials for the project. Orem Station: No station construction activities to report.

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

Construction Activity: Significant progress has been made in Area 10 along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor between University Parkway in Orem and West Center Street in Provo. Crews have prepared a path for FrontRunner by grading and clearing the right-of-way and relocating water lines. Crews will continue fiber optic relocation work throughout the area this week. Traffic Impacts: There are currently no traffic impacts in this area. Provo Station-University Ave. Station: No station construction activities to report.

Thanks again for your interest in the FrontRunner South project. If you have construction-related questions, please call our 24-hour construction hotline at 1-888-800-8854. If you have specific questions about the FrontRunner South project, my contact information is listed below. To unsubscribe from this list, please click here, or simply send a reply message indicating you wish to unsubscribe.

Regards,

Marc Bowman
UTA Community Involvement Specialist
www.rideuta.com
801.236.4784

West Valley TRAX Update

Image by brettneilson 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 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 currently working on the station platform 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. Upcoming Construction: Market Street will close next week as crews extend the station platform that will be located between West Valley City Hall and the Public Safety Building. Traffic Impacts: Market Street is closed for north/south traffic between 3650 South and Lehmann Avenue.

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: Progress has been made on the TRAX bridge over I-215 on the south side of 3100 South. Crews have now moved the crane from the west side to the east side of I-215. 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 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. Work on the south side of 3100 South near the E Center continues as crews prepare the way for TRAX. The intersection at Mapleway and 3100 South has been closed to traffic for the next two to three weeks from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Motorist are encouraged to use 3360 South during the daytime hours. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times through this closure. Traffic Impacts: There will be some lane restrictions on I-215 as crews progress with bridge construction. The closure at Mapleway and 3100 South will take place for about two to three weeks.

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: Night time construction is taking place on Decker Lake Drive as crews continue to relocate utilities. Daytime activity continues as crews work on the storm drain on the east side of Decker Lake Drive. Access is being maintained and we thank the businesses and motorists in this area 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 throughout this reach. Please be mindful of workers 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 and uninterrupted access to their properties. 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 be open to the public.

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. Third party utility work is currently taking place, which will require some lane restrictions. Work for a joint trench for utilities and a sewer line is also taking place along 1070 West, along with pile driving for a retaining wall. Traffic Impacts: As construction proceeds, there will be some lane restrictions, although 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 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 in this area. Current Construction: Progress has been made on the overhead structure in Roper Yard. 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. 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 will take place along Andy Avenue in South Salt Lake. Crews will closely coordinate activities with businesses to ensure access is maintained. A construction survey has been conducted with the businesses along 400 West between Andy Avenue and 2100 South to determine the best time for construction 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 in this area for their support. 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 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 access may be temporarily restricted. 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 business 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.

Some recent articles

Boom in U. bus riders levels off as gas prices fall from '08 high

UTA plans to offer direct service in Cedar Valley

The departure times for the outbound buses in the afternoon seem kind of early.

UTA says ridership up overall over past year

Bicycle Center Open House

Image via Wikipedia

Sorry about the late notice on this one since it is tonight...

UTA & Partners Reaching Out To Bicycle Community

Open House the Next Step for Bringing Bicycle Transit Center to SLC

What: UTA is hosting an open house to discuss the Bicycle Transit Center Planning Project.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Salt Lake City and County Building, 451 State Street, room 335

Who: Utah Transit Authority, Salt Lake City, Utah Department of Transportation, and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee

Info: The open house will present preliminary recommendations and concept drawings for a future Bicycle Transit Center and seek input from the public.

The open house immediately follows the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting.

For more information, visit www.rideuta.com.

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Mid Jordan TRAX line construction update

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Mid-Jordan Light Rail TRAX Construction Update: February 11, 2009*

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 mid-February.

UPDATED Activity: Crews will be performing work on the bridge structure at approximately 8700 South and Bangerter Highway. Traffic Impacts: The centermost lane in each direction will be closed on Bangerter Highway from January 26^th through March 8th.

Sugar Factory Area

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

UPDATED Activity: Crews continue to work on the sound wall on the north side of Sugar Factory Road between 2200 West and approximately 2450 West. Traffic Impacts: Traffic has been shifted to the east side of 2200 West until February 20^th.

Old Bingham Area

UPDATED Activity: Crews continue to work on Old Bingham Highway near the Bangerter Bridge overpass. Traffic Impacts: Traffic will be restricted to one lane with flagging operations at the overpass on Tuesday, February 17^th. Traffic will be shifted to the north side of the roadway on Friday, February 20^th.

Gardner Village Area

NEW Activity: Crews will be performing utility work on 1300 West at the trackway (approximately 7900 South). Traffic Impacts: 1300 West will be completely closed at the trackway beginning February 23^rd until March 2^nd. Please plan accordingly.

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, 2008 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.

Cottonwood Area

Activity: Crews are continuing access and utility work near 300 West and the intersection of Winchester Street and Cottonwood Street. Traffic Impacts: Shoulder work with lane restrictions.

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

Image via Wikipedia

Greetings,

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

Below is the FrontRunner South construction update for February 9 - 15.

To learn more about the FrontRunner South project, click here.

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

Construction Activity: Crews will be installing micro-fiber throughout the area this week. 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: Fiber optic work continues in the area with crews installing micro-fiber and micro-duct. 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 as crews construct a bridge that flies over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. This is the area where FrontRunner will move from the east side to the west side of the tracks. Crews have driven steel pile into the ground to build the base of this structure and are continuing to construct rebar cages for drilled shafts. They will continue work on the east side of the tracks this week and dig and pour concrete for one of the shafts. Crews are also constructing a bridge adjacent to the current Union Pacific Railroad bridge at 144th South. Crews will continue to work on the walls of the structure this week. Fiber optic work continues with crews installing micro-duct and micro-fiber throughout the area. Traffic Impacts: A temporary traffic light has been placed at 144th South and the Union Pacific Bridge to help with traffic flow. If the signal light is flashing, construction crews have flaggers on the road to help speed up traffic. There may be slight delays when crews are moving equipment. We thank motorists in this area for their patience and support during construction and ask that you be cautious while driving in the area. 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. Excavation and embankment work throughout the area will continue this week as will fiber optic micro-duct and micro-fiber installation. Crews will form and pour concrete for the walls on the East Jordan Canal bridge. 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. Area 12 — Thanksgiving Point (Lehi) to Main Street (American Fork) Construction Activity: Crews will place steel this week as they continue construction of the pedestrian tunnel that will run underneath the Union Pacific trackway at the Lehi Station. Crews will continue fiber optic relocations at Garden Drive this week. Traffic Impacts: There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area. Lehi Station: No station construction activities to report. Area 11 — Main Street (American Fork) to 800 South (Orem) Construction Activity: Construction continues on a bridge spanning the American Fork River. Crews will form and pour the south abutments and wing walls this week. Crews will be boring at roadways throughout the area to prepare for fiber optic relocations and will be working on water lines at 100 West. Traffic Impacts: A road closure is planned for 100 West from Monday, February 9 until Wednesday, February 25 so crews can install casings on two water lines. Traffic at 100 West will be detoured onto Storrs Avenue during this time. American Fork-Main St. Station: Crews will begin to construct a lay-down area at the site of the future Park & Ride to stage materials for the project. Orem Station: No station construction activities to report. Area 10 — 800 South (Orem) to Center Street (Provo) Construction Activity: Significant progress has been made in Area 10 along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor between University Parkway in Orem and West Center Street in Provo. Crews have prepared a path for FrontRunner by grading and clearing the right-of-way and relocating water lines. Crews will conduct embankment work near the Provo River Bridge this week. Traffic Impacts: There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area. Provo Station-University Ave. Station: No station construction activities to report. Thanks again for your interest in the FrontRunner South project. If you have construction-related questions, please call our 24-hour construction hotline at 1-888-800-8854. If you have specific questions about the FrontRunner South project, my contact information is listed below. To unsubscribe from this list, please click here, or simply send a reply message indicating you wish to unsubscribe. Regards, Marc Bowman UTA Community Involvement Specialist www.rideuta.com 801.236.4784

Blog Entries of Note...

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From Streetsblog San Francisoco:

Caltrain Will Boost Bicycle Capacity But It’s Still Not Enough

Caltrain like many other systems including UTA is having issues with the number of bicycles that are trying to use the service.

Columbus and Its Mall: This Marriage Can’t Be Saved

Has our love affair with the malls come to an end and what can be done with these big spaces like the moribund Cottonwood Mall project?

Living a Car-Free Life

Story of a couple from San Francisco living a car free life.

From the California High Speed Rail Blog:

Lindbergh Field HSR Station Plans Emerge

Project to incorporate a new terminal at the San Diego airport that will have direct access to the San Diego light rail system, Amtrak and the high speed rail lines.

From the Xing Columbus Blog:

Cleveland to Build Ohio’s First Bike Station

Nice article about bike stations which we should soon have at Central Station.

From the Transit Miami Blog:

Sprawl is Dead, says Obama

Big talk, but will it lead to any action?

From the Overhead Wire blog:

Sunday Backlog Links

Some great comments about transit in Los Angeles plus other aritcles that you may find interesting.

Three Projects is Waaay Too Many

Apparently the mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina (a city I once lived while working in NASCAR) thinks that working towards three transit projects at once is too much. I guess he would think were positively wacko here in Utah...

Imagine This Story Times Millions

My question is, there is so many property rights advocates coming out of the woodwork especially in Denver because of light rail construction, did these people say anything when people were losing their homes to the interstate highway system?

From Streetsblog LA:

Community Plan for Boyle Heights a Test of Planning’s Promise

Los Angeles City planning has stated it plans to work with neighborhoods to create plans that the citizens want. The new Boyle Heights plan will put that promise to the test.

From Biking in LA: The Pedestrian Free Crosswalk

Pedestrians are banned from a Westwood intersection despite the presence of pedestrian signals. Planning at its finest to improve the life of the automobile.

From Streetsblog:

An Attempt to Create Empathy in Drivers

Will signs make drivers think about pedestrians more?

Streetfilms: A Conversation With Congressman Earl Blumenauer

Interview with the very vocal pro transit and bicycling Earl Blumenauer out of Portland, Oreogn.

From the Sprawled Out Blog:

Kid-friendly senior housing proposed - JSOnline

Most senior developments are designed as being anti-children. However, a growing number of older people are having to raise thier grand children due to various reasons so a development in Milwaukee will be designed for those raising their grandkids.

From the Seattle Transit Blog:

New Zipcar office and city partnership are big steps in company’s effort to expand

Car sharing is being expanded in Seattle but we are still waiting for it in Salt Lake City. Plus it would be nice if it was a locally owned company.

From the RT Rider Blog:

Stimulating transit

Senate approves money for transit projects.

From the Jacksonville Transit Blog:

JACKSONVILLE AND FLORIDA BLOW THE STIMULUS

Florida will not be getting any stimulus money for transit.