West Valley TRAX Construction Update

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Welcome!

Construction 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 light green on the east end of the project.

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 West) 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.



Current Construction:

· Overhead wire work continues along Constitution Boulevard.

· Crews are forming and pouring the platform at West Valley City Hall.



Traffic Impacts: There are lane restrictions along Constitution Boulevard; however, access is being maintained.



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 and we will coordinate our efforts with the E Center so you can continue to visit the great events. When TRAX is completed along 3100 South, it will operate on the south side of the roadway.



Current Construction:

· Crews have started work on the north side of 3100 South and Constitution Boulevard. Crews will be removing and replacing driveways. Access to businesses will be maintained.

· Work continues on the TRAX bridge approaches over I-215 on the south side of 3100 South.

· Work on the overhead electric system is taking place near Decker Lake Drive and 3100 South.

· Crews are working on curbs and sidewalks near the E Center.



Upcoming Construction:

· Landscaping is scheduled to take place in planter islands.



Traffic Impacts:

· Traffic control is in place along 3100 South; however, access is being maintained.



Reach 3

Reach Description: Reach 3 is the area along Decker Lake Drive from 3100 South to Research Way (2770 South) and east to Redwood Road. This area includes many commercial office buildings with thousands of employees. We will continue to work with businesses to ensure access is maintained.



Current Construction:

· Driveway work on Research Way has begun. Access to all businesses will be maintained.

· Track and station work continues in the center of Decker Lake Drive.



Upcoming Construction:

· Track work is scheduled to take place across Redwood Road at the end of July. More information will be available in next week’s update.



Traffic Impacts: There are lane restrictions along Decker Lake Drive and Research Way, but access is being maintained.



Reach 4

Reach Description: Reach 4 runs through the Chesterfield residential area along 2770 South and 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:

· Significant work has been accomplished in the Chesterfield area. Crews continue to work on the rail and other items.





Reach 5

Reach Description: Reach 5 includes construction along 1070 West in the Chesterfield industrial area. This reach includes one bridge structure over the Jordan River and another over 900 West.



Current Construction:

· 1070 West is closed just north of 2320 South for the next four to five weeks. Alternate access will be maintained.

· Work will take place along the center of 1070 West throughout the summer months.

· Work also continues on the Jordan River Bridge and tunnel.



Traffic Impacts: There are various lane restrictions on 1070 West; however, access to businesses is being maintained.



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 to ensure that freight deliveries and other train travel is maintained. Reach 6 includes an extensive bridging system that will enable TRAX to operate over other train traffic.



Current Construction:

· Progress continues on the TRAX bridge structures over 900 West at approximately 2200 South and at the Union Pacific Railroad Roper Yard area.

· Work is also taking place on the overhead electric system.



Reach 7



Reach Description: Reach 7 is the area where the West Valley Line will connect with the current north/south TRAX Line. Construction is taking place along Andy Avenue in South Salt Lake. Crews will closely coordinate activities with businesses to ensure access is maintained.



Current Construction:

· Track work continues near Andy Avenue and 300 West in South Salt Lake City.

General Information



Access during Construction

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



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 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 questions or comments regarding the project, please contact our toll-free 24-hour hotline at (888) 800-8854 or e-mail tcamp@rideuta.com. You can also visit UTA’s Web site at www.rideuta.com.

Mid Jordan TRAX Construction Update

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UTA Mid-Jordan TRAX Line Weekly Construction Update: July 16, 2010



* Cottonwood Street is closed to through traffic between Winchester Street and the I-215 bridge through Sunday, July 18. Business access will be maintained during the closure.

* Night work near Winchester Street will take place intermittently from Friday night, July 16 through next Friday, July 23.

* The Jordan River Parkway Trail is closed between 7800 South and the Jordan River through Tuesday, July 20 for additional embankment work and fence installation.

* Please use caution when approaching railroad crossings throughout the project area. Crews and equipment travel on the rails frequently.



The Mid-Jordan TRAX line is a 10.6 mile light rail line that will connect the communities of Murray, Midvale, West Jordan and South Jordan with the existing Sandy/Salt Lake TRAX line. It runs from the existing TRAX line at 6400 South to approximately 7400 South, then turns west along the Bingham Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad.

At 5600 West, the line turns south again and ends at the southern end of the Daybreak development. For construction purposes, the line has been segmented into five sections. The map below shows each section in a different color, beginning with Daybreak on the southwest end and ending with Cottonwood at the northeast end.

Daybreak Area

(This segment runs north through the Daybreak development to Old Bingham Highway at approximately 5600 West)



New vehicle testing continues in Daybreak. Trackwork is essentially complete, and crews are preparing to paint the canopies at the station platforms.

Old Bingham Area

(This segment runs parallel to the existing Union Pacific Railroad Bingham Branch line,

along the Old Bingham Highway from approximately 5600 West to the Bangerter Station, east of Bangerter Highway)

Crews continue installing drainage and modifying the concrete channel along Old Bingham Highway. Weed removal is in progress, and work to extend the sound berm at Wasatch Meadows continues this week.



* NEW ACTIVITY: Repaving at the 9000 South crossing

TRAFFIC IMPACT: 9000 South will be subject to lane closures from Monday, July 19 to Friday, July 23. Also, Old Bingham Highway will be closed from 9000 South to Wasatch Meadows Drive from Monday, July 19 through Wednesday, July 21.

Sugar Factory Area

(This segment continues northeast along the UPRR Bingham Branch from approximately Bangerter
Highway to Gardner Village)

Crews are installing overhead catenary system (OCS) poles and balance weight assemblies. Concrete work is moving forward at the 2700 West and Redwood platforms.

Gardner Village Area

(This segment continues along the UPRR Bingham Branch northeast from Gardner Village to 700 West)

The Jordan River Parkway Trail between 7800 South and 7400 South is closed through Tuesday, July 20 while crews finish embankment work and install fencing along the UTA right-of-way. Concrete work is scheduled to begin at the Bingham Junction station in Midvale. Crews continue installing OCS (overhead catenary system) pole foundations between the Jordan River and Bingham Junction station. Grading at the Gardner Village park & ride lot is nearing completion, with paving scheduled near the end of the month.



* ACTIVITY: Fence installation along the Jordan River Parkway Trail.

TRAFFIC IMPACT: The Jordan River Parkway Trail will remain closed between 7800 South and the TRAX bridges near 7400 South through Tuesday, July 20.

Cottonwood Area

(This segment extends north from 700 West along the existing light rail alignment to its terminus at the 6400 South-

Fashion Place Station)

Track work, including switches, derails and signals, is moving forward on both sides of Cottonwood Street as crews work towards connecting the Mid-Jordan line with the Sandy-Salt Lake line. Work is also progressing at the site of the future west platform at the Fashion Place station. Lovendahl Yard track work continues as switches, pre-curved rail and other special track is installed.



* NEW ACTIVITY: Installation of track, OCS poles, wires, and power and signal equipment south of Winchester Street

* IMPACT: Work will take place during overnight hours Friday night, July 16 through Friday night, July 23



* ACTIVITY: Fabrication and installation of a new turnout switch at Fashion Place Station

*TRAFFIC IMPACT: Cottonwood Street will be closed to through traffic between Winchester Street and the I-215 bridge from Thursday, July 15 through Sunday, July 18. Business access will be maintained during the closure.

General Information

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



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 limited.



Construction Hours

Construction is permitted to take place between 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday. Additionally, specific activities may require different working hours depending upon 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) 550-2211.



For More Information

Information is available to assist business and residential communities as well as commuters and stakeholders.

If you have questions or comments regarding the project, please contact our toll-free 24-hour hotline at (888) 550-2211 or e-mail midjordan@rideuta.com. You can also visit the UTA Web site at www.rideuta.com/projects/midjordanlightrail.

UTA press release about TRAX Express in Sandy

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Great opportunity to not only provide more services to riders, but also an opportunity for UTA to great new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gerry Carpenter, 801-859-6095

Date: July 12, 2010 Media Advisory

TRAX Express Celebrates Grand Opening

What: Utah Transit Authority and TRAX Express will celebrate the opening of a new concession kiosk at Salt Lake Central Station. The event will feature free food and giveaways from the vendor, and provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about new amenities for TRAX, FrontRunner and bus riders.

When: Monday, July 12, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Where: Salt Lake Central Station, 300 South 600 West, Salt Lake City

More Info:

· This month UTA and TRAX Express will open two new concession kiosks at Salt Lake Central Station and Sandy Civic Center Station (10000 South)

· The kiosks are part of a public/private partnership pilot program to introduce new customer amenities at TRAX stations

· If the pilot is successful, additional concession kiosks may be added at other TRAX stations

For more information, visit www.rideuta.com.

Bus Changes in Ogden

There is an editorial in today's Standard Examiner about the UTA bus changes in Ogden:

OUR VIEW: UTA misses the bus

The Weber County Forum has also chimed in on this issue:

Standard-Examiner Editorial: OUR VIEW: UTA Misses the Bus

Both point out that UTA could have done more including public hearings. Like many transit agencies they give the standard bureaucratic line that it changes did not meet the 25% change requirement.

While the UTA could have done more it appears that the Standard Examiner doesn't want to step on any toes in its own city or more appropriately too cowardly like many newspapers to direct attacks in certain places.

After all lets look at the comments from Steven Conlin the president of the Ogden's 25th Street Merchants Association:

"Concerns include the diesel fumes spewed out on merchant customers as they walk down the sidewalks, noise pollution, litter strewn from ridership and mass gatherings that occur in front of businesses due to transfer or stops"

The last time I checked, a majority of the buses used on the 603 are the new Gillig Advantage BRT buses that have exhaust on the top of the bus and burn cleaner than other buses. The he also brings up the problem with noise pollution. Lets see the last time I checked there is plenty of trucks and tour buses that travel down the street that make noise plus one idiot with his radio blaring makes more noise than a bus but then again that is not the real issue is it, it is just a Red Herring.

Also where are these "mass gatherings?". The only mass gatherings I have seen are at the 25th and Washington stop which is a major transfer stop. The last time I checked there is no businesses located along this area.

Lets face facts, put all the red herrings aside and have Mr. Conlin tell the truth, his organization doesn't want "those kind of people" walking in the area. After all, they might scare the suburbanites that they are trying to attract.

My question, is the bus service being used as a scape goat because business is down and it easier to attack than the real issues?

A year from now, will the buses being gone from 25th street affect business in any way shape or form? The answer is no, in fact it could hurt their businesses. If their business does improve it will have nothing to do with the buses being gone and everything to do with an improvement in the economy.

What they have done is making riding the bus and making transfers harder for the riders.

I have walked 25th Street many times and spent money along the street because I support locally owned businesses. However, the next time I am in the area I will have second thoughts about that. Gondola Godfrey, Steven Conlin, and the 25th Street Merchants Association has lost my business.

Observations from Paris from Jarret at Human Transit

Image by thorinside via Flickr

Jarrett from the Human Transit Blog has an interesting post about the city of Paris.

paris: the street is ours!

Jarrett points out many streets in Paris not only have dedicated bus lanes that can be used by bicycles but also have dedicated bike lanes.

However, while the lanes would be great would they last here in the United States in our auto dominated society? Chances all the answer is no.

Jarrett points out that many times the lane appears empty despite it carrying more people than the general purpose lane. However, auto drivers will see a lane that is not congested like their lane so their sense of entitlement will click in and say they should be entitled to use that lane because it is not being used enough.

We have see this here in Utah with the HOV lanes. Many drivers say they are entitled to use the HOV lanes and make every excuse in the book why they should. Eventually the lanes will be opened to other traffic during off peak before gradually being degraded during rush hour.

This is one of the fears with dedicated bus lanes for BRT such as those on 3500 South and what is planned in Orem/Provo. In Los Angeles the El Monte busway opened as a dedicated busway but now is open to car pools and is just as congested and sometimes more congested than the regular lanes. Because of the mistaken belief that the lanes were not carrying enough traffic now the lanes are actually carrying less because they are congested.

It would be wonderful to see this design on streets such as State and 200 South that would allow faster movement of buses and safer movement of bicycles. Yet, it will take a major change of attitude before it becomes workable here in the United States.

Reducing Unnecessary Auto Trips

Image by LA Wad via Flickr

Trip Numbers

Anyone who has paid attention to transit advocacy over the years have been hit in the face by the road warriors with the statement: "Transit represents only a small portion of trips".

First of all when it comes to numbers, numbers can be manipulated any way you want to make your point especially if you have a agenda to extend. What the trip numbers don't tell you is several things:

1. They do not compare how many trips are taking in a particular corridor say from the area of the Sandy TRAX station to downtown.
2. Second, this numbers also include business trips including commercial deliveries and pick ups.
   

Second, the logic of the road warriors is that all these people driving instead of other options "choose" to drive. The truth is that people have little choice but to drive but there are ways to reduce the driving numbers.

Do we have choice?

The question is, do people choose to drive or is there no alternatives.

As I said in my posting about Density, TOD and TAD, few people have the choice to reduce auto trips. Even higher density development throughout the area is truly auto centric and does nothing to reduce auto trips.

As I mentioned in that article, if a person needs some basic supplies at a grocery store or basic convenience items the only choice is to talk a mile or more but more realistically is to get into the car and drive.

Statistics show that many auto trips are less than two miles in length.

Reducing Trips with TOD

As I mentioned in the TOD article, one of the important aspects of TOD is to reduce unnecessary auto trips. This is done by providing businesses such as cleaners, restaurants, small grocery stores near these developments.

If people live in these developments, they can quickly walk to these services without getting in their car. When I lived in Charlotte, North Carolina back in 1990-1992 my apartment complex had a shopping center within its confines. In fact several apartment complexes were withing walking distance of this shopping center.

Instead of driving to the grocery store or other stores in the shopping center I could walk reducing many unnecessary auto trips. In fact my walk to the shopping center was probably less than many people's trips across the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Not only do these provide services for the residents in the TOD developments but they can also reduce trips for those that park at transit stations. A person could get off their TRAX train, grab their dry cleaning, pick up a gallon and milk and head home. The alternative is the person first gets off TRAX, drives to the dry cleaners, then drives to a grocery or convenience store, then finally drive home.

Reducing Paratransit Trips:

As I have mentioned before, the biggest cost facing transit systems is the unfunded mandate to provide ADA Paratransit service. I am not saying this service is necessary for the people that use it, but what the Federal Government did was burden transit systems to provide service without any additional funds to provide it.

However, one of the benefits of TOD is that it gives those with physical disabilities the ability to live in areas where they don't need paratransit service as frequently as they do now. Not only does this allow the mobility impaired to have more options but it will reduce the number of extreme paratransit trips.

Government and Other Services

Another problem with our current system is the how hard it is to access many government and other services such as libraries, government buildings, and post offices.

Post Offices

Few people realize that until a couple of years ago the Postal Service did not have to abide by our current bad zoning ordinances much less any transit friendly ones. Many post offices are extremely pedestrian unfriendly such as the one in Midvale despite it being close to the Midvale Central TRAX Station.

Also many main post offices have been moved to where it is convenient for their trucks to hub not for their customers. For example the one at 2100 South and Redwood is close to transit but is very hostile to pedestrians.

The future of the postal service is beyond the scope of this blog but there needs to be a thoroughly study on what its future is. Should people living in urban areas continue to subsidize the mail delivery in rural areas? How much is it costing to provide home mail delivery service across the suburbs?

One solution would be to put small contracted postal stations in TOD developments in addition to other retail development. Like other services the postal service should concentrate new post offices close to transit connections.

Libraries:

Libraries are another government service that need to focus their locations where transit access is easy and convenient.

Lets take a look at the Holladay library as an example since I frequent that one. While it is currently on a bus line by moving it either to the new a few blocks away to either the new Holladay Village center or to the largely abandoned center at the northwest corner of Murray-Holladay and Highland that badly needs to be re-purposed.

Another solution would be to create pick up points at TOD developments so that people could order books and pick them up on the way home from work or while running other errands.

Other Government Services

Too many recent government buildings have focused on building Taj Mahals facilities that have poor access for citizens. New government buildings should be designed economically and with easy acccess for transit riders and pedestrians.

Final Thoughts

This was a small example of how we can reduce short auto trips.

It will take collaboration between private businesses, government agencies, and other organizations that provide services. It will not happen overnight and will have resistance, but in the long term a more sustainable area will be created.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Good and Bad Density, TOD's and TAD's (transitinutah.blogspot.com)
• Estimating the impacts of smart growth: the importance of forecasting traffic correctly (switchboard.nrdc.org)
• Cost of rides for disabled soars at T (boston.com)
• Outlook grim for Postal Service as revenue ebbs (sfgate.com)

UTA Press Release about Provo and 3900 South

Image by Steven Vance via Flickr

Couple of points.

The announcement about Provo mentions that it will be a multi-model depot but I see nothing about integrating the facility with the Amtrak station which is actually located on the far side of Freedom Blvd from the new Front Runner station.

Hopefully the new TOD at the 3900 South will be true TOD and not just TAD. Hopefully it will also integrate with the growing new community in the area.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gerry Carpenter, 801-859-6095

Date: July 9, 2010 Press Release





UTA Awarded $5.4 Million In Federal Grants





U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff announced Thursday that Utah will receive two grants for $5.4 million under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Livability Initiative.



The Utah Transit Authority was awarded the two grants through the Federal Transit Administration’s competitive Bus and Bus Facilities grant program, which makes federal funds available to public transit providers to construct bus-related facilities. The grants include $5 million for the Provo Intermodal Center and $400,000 for the 3900 South Meadowbrook TRAX station.



“These competitive grants support our communities’ vision for increased access to public transit,” UTA General Manager Mike Allegra said. “By awarding these grants, Secretary LaHood and Administrator Rogoff recognize our efforts in building a strong transit system that will soon connect Provo to Salt Lake and beyond.”



The Provo Intermodal Center, located between Freedom Boulevard and University Avenue at approximately 700 South in Provo, will be a major new multi-modal transit hub. It will include 850 parking stalls, a 12-bay bus transfer terminal, and a connection for the future Provo-Orem bus rapid transit line. It is expected to open concurrently with the FrontRunner Salt Lake City to Provo line in 2014. In the future, the facility is planned to include bicycle facilities and other transit-oriented development.



Regarding the Provo grant, the office of Rep. Jason Chaffetz released the following statement, "FTA's announcement is great news for Provo and Utah County. An intermodal center in the heart of Provo has many advantages. Residents will appreciate one-stop, quick and easy access to commuter rail, bus, and other transportation options. This project will play an important role in addressing the needs of an ever more upwardly mobile workforce and community."



The $400,000 grant will go toward converting the 3900 South Meadowbrook TRAX station in South Salt Lake from a park-and-ride stop to a transit-oriented development. The grant money will be used to replace existing surface parking with a new parking deck and reconfiguring the bus loop.



These infrastructure changes will allow redevelopment of the remainder of the block. Proposed new structures include a 60,000 square foot office/educational building, 7,000 square feet of retail and an 88 unit apartment building.



For more information on UTA projects, visit www.rideuta.com.

Front Runner Construction Update

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Lane Closures On 9000 South This Weekend For FrontRunner Bridge Construction

Utah Transit Authority will be closing lanes and restricting traffic on a section of 9000 South between I-15 and Sandy Parkway this weekend, July 9-12. The closures will take place Friday night from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Saturday and again Saturday evening at 8 p.m. through Monday, July 12 at 5 a.m.

The closures are for bridge construction work on the Utah Transit Authority’s FrontRunner Provo to Salt Lake City commuter rail project.

All westbound lanes on 9000 South will be completely closed while eastbound traffic will be restricted by a double lane closure. Both northbound and southbound on– and off-ramps to I-15 will remain open throughout the closures. However, all traffic exiting the freeway will be detoured eastbound on 9000 South to State Street.



To travel west on 9000 South, UTA recommends either a detour north on State Street to 7800 South then west to 700 West and Sandy Parkway, or a detour south on State Street to 10600 South and Jordan Gateway.



Questions from the public regarding this closure should be directed to the project construction hotline at 1-888-800-8854.



The new FrontRunner commuter rail line will run 45 miles from downtown Provo to Salt Lake City where it will connect to the existing FrontRunner line at Salt Lake Central Station. It will feature six new stations in Murray, South Jordan, Lehi, American Fork, Orem and Provo.



More information about the FrontRunner Provo to Salt Lake City project is available at www.rideuta.com.




Greetings,



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

Below is the FrontRunner South construction update for July 10 – 16. Please visit UTA’s FrontRunner South Webpage to learn more about the project.



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



Construction Activity:

At the 3300 South bridge, crews will continue concrete work on pier caps and grade the slope leading up the bridge abutments. At the 4500 South bridge, sheet pile shoring and soil nail installation continues.



Traffic Impacts:

· Please note that Central Avenue has reopened until crews resume work on the bridge walls.

· 3300 South – eastbound left lane closure Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

· 4500 South – eastbound right lane closure Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.



Salt Lake Central Station:

Station complete.



Area 15 — 4500 South (Murray) to Wasatch Street/8000 South (Midvale)



Construction Activity:

At the 5300 South bridge, crews will set and grout precast columns. Girder work continues at the 7200 South bridge. Deck plates will be installed this week along with fiber reinforced polymer shear keys.



Traffic Impacts:

· The 4500 South Frontage Road is closed at the tracks for bridge work through the end of August.

· 5300 South – eastbound right lane closure Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

· 7200 South – eastbound/westbound impacts Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.



Murray Station:

There are no construction activities to report.



Area 14 — Wasatch Street/8000 South (Midvale) to 14600 South (Bluffdale)



General Information:

Considerable progress has been made on the flyover structure west of Salt Lake Community College’s Miller Campus at 9800 South. The 642-foot flyover bridge features a 40-foot-high bridge deck that will allow FrontRunner to travel from the east to the west side of Union Pacific Railroad’s track way. The flyover structure’s approaches consist of keystone block MSE walls filled entirely with lightweight fill to minimize settlement.



Construction Activity:

Crews will install the final drilled shaft for the 9000 South bridge this weekend. Temporary shoring for the 9120 South bridge continues, and work continues on the retaining wall near 9400 South. Chain link fence will be installed west of the SLCC campus. Crews will install sewer casings on the property north of 10600 South.



Crews will conduct mass embankment work, place sub-ballast and stage railroad ties along the line between Jordan Gateway and 11400 South. Additionally, crews will place bottom ballast, stage railroad ties and skeletonize ties for a UPRR shoofly near 11400 South. Wrap-around wall construction continues at the Bangerter Highway bridge. Crews will also start Bangerter Highway bridge center pier restoration work and install and backfill abutment panels.



Traffic Impacts:

· 9120 South – eastbound right lane closure Monday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· 9120 South – westbound right lane closure Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· 10000 South – eastbound lane closure with flaggers Tuesday through Friday.

· 10800 South – right lanes will be closed in each direction to accommodate truck traffic all week.



South Jordan Station:

Lightweight fill for the job is being stored at the station site.



Draper Future Station:

There are no construction activities to report.



Area 13 — 14600 South (Bluffdale) to Thanksgiving Point (Lehi)



Construction Activity:

Slope excavation below the Thanksgiving Point golf course continues. UPRR mainline relocation work in the area also continues, with a cutover tentatively scheduled for the week of July 17.



Traffic Impacts:

There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area.



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



General Information:

Crews are currently constructing two major bridges in Lehi at 2300 West and 2100 North. The 2300 West bridge will allow FrontRunner to travel over Lehi City’s future 2300 West road project and the 2100 North bridge will span UDOT’s future Mountain View Corridor, 2100 North roadway. The 2100 North bridge will feature abutments on each end of the bridge and five center piers. For the purposes of this publication, the piers are numbered 1 through 5 starting at the southern end of the bridge.



Construction Activity:

At the 2300 West bridge south abutment, crews will continue footing installation and backfill. Drain installation continues at the bridge’s north abutment. At the 2100 North bridge, crews will form and pour concrete for the deck and form ballast walls. Wall work will continue along the corridor near the Cranberry Farms subdivision.



Between 2100 North and 1500 North crews will be clearing and grubbing the corridor and conducting mass embankment work. Between 900 North and 500 West crews will continue to relocate power poles. Excavation for a wall near Woods Drive will continue this week.



Traffic Impacts:

· 1500 North, Lehi – truck traffic with flaggers Monday through Friday.

· 900 North, Lehi – truck traffic with flaggers Wednesday through Friday.



Lehi Station:

Phase one of three of the Lehi Station Park and Ride Lot is now open for public use.



Work at the Lehi Station pedestrian tunnel is progressing. Crews have completed the main section of tunnel that spans from the east side to the west side of the railroad corridor. Work on pedestrian ramps that connect the tunnel to the station platform continues this week. At the Park and Ride Lot, crews will install electrical conduit between the light poles.



Area 11 — Main Street (American Fork) to University Parkway (Orem)



Construction Activity:

Significant track work, including installing ballast mats and dressing track, continues throughout the reach. Crews will continue barb wire fencing installation and embankment work between the American Fork Station site and 200 South.



Crossing upgrades, including finishing concrete work, will continue this week at the 100 West American Fork at-grade crossing. Crossing upgrade work will also begin at the 100 East American Fork at-grade crossing this week. Crossing upgrade work at this crossing includes installing new active signal devices, installing new concrete crossing panels and constructing new track. Road realignment and at-grade crossing work also continues near the 1500 South at-grade crossing in American Fork.



Traffic Impacts:

· 100 West, American Fork – truck traffic with flaggers Monday and Tuesday.

· 100 East, American Fork – full road closure at the crossing Monday through Sunday.

· 1500 South, American Fork – truck traffic with flaggers Monday through Friday.

· Geneva Road at 400 South, Orem – lane closure with flaggers Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.



American Fork Station:

Work at the American Fork Park and Ride lot is nearly complete. Crews will be conducting final QC walks this week at the site.



Vineyard Future Station:

There are no construction activities to report.



Orem Station:

There are no construction activities to report.



Area 10 — University Parkway (Orem) to Center Street (Provo)



General Information:

Significant progress has been made in Area 10 along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor between University Parkway in Orem and Freedom Boulevard in Provo. Crews have prepared a path for FrontRunner by grading and clearing the right-of-way and relocating water lines. Drainage and irrigation installations are generally complete in this area, and main line earthwork has been finalized from University Parkway to 2000 South in Orem and from the Provo River bridge to 500 West in Provo. At-grade crossing improvements have also been completed in Provo at 2000 North, 2800 West, 1680 North, 820 North, Draper Lane, 900 West, 700 West, 500 West and Freedom Boulevard.



Construction Activity:

Crews will continue to surface, line and dress the track between University Parkway in Orem and 2000 North in Provo. Additionally, crews will install inner emergency guardrail along the trackway between I-15 and 820 North in Provo. Signal work will take place along the line between University Parkway in Orem and Freedom Boulevard in Provo.



Traffic Impacts:

· 800 South, Orem – lane closure with flaggers Wednesday through Friday.



Provo Station:

Crews will pour concrete for the north platform deck this week.

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.

Airport TRAX Line Construction Update

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Welcome!



Construction progress continues on the Airport TRAX Line. To keep business and traffic impacts to a minimum, this six-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 dark red by the airport and ending with Reach 7 in light green on the east end of the project.

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 that extends from Terminal One at the Salt Lake City International Airport on the side of the Airport Access Road to the surplus canal bridge just north of the Wingpointe Golf Course.



Current Construction:

Work continues on wet and dry utility work along 3700 West. Various traffic restrictions are in place for internal airport traffic; however, access is being maintained.
Crews are currently excavating the east side of 3700 West from the United States Post Office to 400 North. After sidewalks and driveways are restored, crews will continue north towards 510 North with similar activities. Lane restrictions will be in place, but access will be maintained.
Crews are working on walls and excavating the guideway between the X Bar Bridge and 3700 West.


Upcoming Construction:

· Crews are waiting on more information, but the Rocky Mountain Power crossing may not need to cross Terminal drive. We will keep you posted.



Traffic Impacts:

Right lane restrictions along Bangerter Highway just north of the I-80 off-ramp entering the airport are in place Monday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturday.
A traffic plan has been distributed to the 3700 West businesses. This plan does not affect those traveling to the airport.



Reach 2

Reach Description: Reach 2 extends from the surplus canal bridge just north of the Wingpointe Golf Course along the Airport Access Road fence line to 2400 West.



Current Construction:

Deck work is nearing completion at Surplus South.
Crews are working on wet and dry utility work.



Reach 3

Reach Description: Reach 3 extends from 2400 West along North Temple to I-215. This is the reach where TRAX will move from the side of the road to the center of North Temple.



Current Construction:

Curb, gutter, sidewalk, and wet and dry utility work continues to make its way west.
Crews are currently installing signal conduit at 2200 and 2400 West.
Crews have removed a portion of the island between North Temple and Old North Temple and restoration is in progress. Lane restrictions are in place, but access to Old North Temple will be maintained.
Cast-in-place wall work continues.


Upcoming Construction:

Beginning next week, crews will work at the 2200 West and North Temple intersection. Traffic restrictions will be in place, but access will be maintained.



Reach 4

Reach Description: Reach 4 extends from I-215 to just east Redwood Road on North Temple. TRAX will be center running and will include a station located at approximately 1950 West. Access to the many businesses and governmental organizations will be maintained.



Current Construction:

Wet and dry utility work is taking place on North Temple approaching Redwood Road.
Crews are working nights on the joint trench crossings. This work will take place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Noise is expected to be minimal as louder activities will take place during the day.
Crews are removing and replacing curb, gutter, sidewalks and driveways on the south side of North Temple between Redwood Road and 1950 West.
Crews are also relocating utilities on the south side of North Temple between Redwood Road and 1950 West. There will be lane restrictions, but access will be maintained and signage will be provided.


Upcoming Construction:

In the coming weeks, crews will begin sewer sag repairs at Orange Street and North Temple. At this time, various lane restrictions will be in place, but access to businesses will be maintained and signage will be provided. In preparation to this work various activities will take place near Orange Street. As we get closer to construction we will meet with businesses.
Crews will begin relocating a gas line early next week on the south side of North Temple between Redwood Road and Duder Street, which will require various temporary driveway closures. Before this work begins we will meet with businesses.

Crews will continue relocating hydrants and water services in the upcoming weeks. We will continue to meet with businesses and coordinate any planned interruptions to services.


Traffic Impacts: There are right/left lane restrictions between the I-215 overpass and Redwood Road. As work progresses, there will be additional lane restrictions for both east and west bound traffic, although access will be maintained.

Reach 5

Reach Description: Reach 5 extends from just east of Redwood Road on North Temple to the Jordan River. TRAX will be center running and includes a station at 1500 West. Access to the many businesses and office complexes will be maintained.



Current Construction:

Work continues on the south side of the Jordan River Bridge as crews work on the deck and form and pour columns. The Jordan River Bridge is on schedule to be completed before the Utah State Fair in September.
There is occasional potholing for dry utilities taking place ahead of construction.


Upcoming Construction:

In the coming weeks crews will begin wet and dry utility work.


Traffic Impacts:

Traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction.

Reach 6

Reach Description: Reach 6 extends from the Jordan River to I-15 along North Temple. TRAX will be center running and will include two stations located at approximately 1100 West and 800 West. Access to the many businesses and the State Fairpark will be maintained.



Current Construction:

No work is currently taking place.


Upcoming Construction:

Crews will begin relocating City Creek West from the Jordan River Bridge to 1000 West in late July.
On July 10, North Temple will be closed from 600 West to 700 West for the Mestizo’s West Side Art’s Festival.


Traffic Impacts: Traffic management is in place near the Jordan River Bridge and is limited to one lane in each direction.



Reach 7

Reach Description: Reach 7 is the area where the Airport TRAX Line will connect with the current north/south Line at the Arena Station. This reach extends from I-15 to 400 West along North Temple and turns south on 400 West to South Temple. Access to offices and the Gateway will be maintained.



Current Construction:

The North Temple Viaduct re-construction project began April 18 and will continue for approximately 18 months. Crews are now nearing completion of demolition.
Crews are drilling 16 drill shafts for the new viaduct. Two of these shafts have been drilled, set, and poured. This work will take place for approximately three weeks and noise is expected to be minimal.
Wet and dry utility relocations are taking place to prepare for the City Creek East relocation.

No night work is scheduled for the viaduct; however, if Union Pacific Railroad grants approval for night work we will notify all residents and businesses in the area as soon as possible.
Crews are potholing and boring on 400 West to relocate MCI Utility at the intersection of 50 North and 400 West
Please see the viaduct construction guide below to find out how to get around 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 limited.



Construction Hours

Construction 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 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 questions or comments regarding the project, please contact our toll-free 24-hour hotline at (888) 800-8854 or e-mail tcamp@rideuta.com. You can also visit UTA’s Web site at www.rideuta.com.



Please note that construction information provided is subject to change.

Business Focus:

Little Pet Stop Around the Corner


The dogs and cats of North Temple have found a friend in the
Pet Stop Veterinary Clinic, where they find not only attention for
their “owies” and illnesses, but preventative care for a long, healthy -
- and slobbery -- life. “Pet care begins with a healthy start,” said Tess,
office manager for the clinic. “At Pet Stop Vet Clinic, we provide for
your pet a full range of dental, medical and surgical services.”

Pet Stop Veterinary Clinic, located at 44 North 800 West –
just south of North Temple-- is a full service clinic providing
affordable, quality care to cats, dogs, birds, reptiles and pocket pets
for more than 25 years. And not only are these services provided under the quality care of Dr. Matthew
Belman, Cornell University graduate, the clinic offers some unique pricing options to help local patients
and their masters pay for the care they need. The basic, primary and optimum health plans provide for
a complete assortment of services for one yearly payment, which can
also be paid through a three month, no interest, payment plan.

“We are conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City
minutes from the freeway,” said Tess, whose own dog, Bailey, has
received and continues to receive quality care at the clinic. “We
recommend that puppies and kittens begin their immunizations at six
to eight weeks of age against a variety of diseases prevalent in our
area. A series of timed boosters is imperative so your pet develops a
strong immune system.” Call 801-531-0662 for more information on
their health plans or visit www.petstopvet.com.

Mid Jordan TRAX Construction Update

Image via Wikipedia

UTA Mid-Jordan TRAX Line Weekly Construction Update: July 9, 2010



* Cottonwood Street will be closed to through traffic between Winchester Street and the I-215 bridge from Thursday, July 15 through Sunday, July 18. Business access will be maintained during the closure.

* Night work near Winchester Street will take place Friday night, July 9, and Saturday night, July 10 between 12 am and 8 am.

* The Jordan River Parkway Trail will be closed between 7800 South and the Jordan River through Tuesday, July 20 for additional embankment work and fence installation.

* Please use caution when approaching railroad crossings throughout the project area. Crews and equipment travel on the rails frequently.



The Mid-Jordan TRAX line is a 10.6 mile light rail line that will connect the communities of Murray, Midvale, West Jordan and South Jordan with the existing Sandy/Salt Lake TRAX line. It runs from the existing TRAX line at 6400 South to approximately 7400 South, then turns west along the Bingham Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad.

At 5600 West, the line turns south again and ends at the southern end of the Daybreak development. For construction purposes, the line has been segmented into five sections. The map below shows each section in a different color, beginning with Daybreak on the southwest end and ending with Cottonwood at the northeast end.

Daybreak Area

(This segment runs north through the Daybreak development to Old Bingham Highway at approximately 5600 West)



Concrete and canopy work continues at station platforms in Daybreak. Crews continue working on landscaping at 5600 West, and testing of the new vehicles is ongoing.

Old Bingham Area

(This segment runs parallel to the existing Union Pacific Railroad Bingham Branch line,

along the Old Bingham Highway from approximately 5600 West to the Bangerter Station, east of Bangerter Highway)

Crews are completing installation of sound wall panels, and working to modify the drainage channel between 5200 West and 4800 West. Landscaping continues at the 4800 West Park & Ride, and electrical and signal work is ongoing.

Sugar Factory Area

(This segment continues northeast along the UPRR Bingham Branch from approximately Bangerter
Highway to Gardner Village)

Concrete work at Bangerter, 2700 West and Redwood Road continues. Crews have nearly completed paving of the 2700 West Park & Ride, and continue installation of traffic signals at 3200 West.


Gardner Village Area

(This segment continues along the UPRR Bingham Branch northeast from Gardner Village to 700 West)

The Jordan River Parkway Trail between 7800 South and 7400 South is closed through Tuesday, July 20 while crews finish embankment work and install fencing along the UTA right-of-way. Crews continue installing OCS (overhead catenary system) pole foundations between the Jordan River and Bingham Junction station. Grading at the Gardner Village park & ride lot is nearing completion, with paving scheduled near the end of the month.



* ACTIVITY: Fence installation along the Jordan River Parkway Trail.

TRAFFIC IMPACT: The Jordan River Parkway Trail will remain closed between 7800 South and the TRAX bridges near 7400 South through Tuesday, July 20.

Cottonwood Area

(This segment extends north from 700 West along the existing light rail alignment to its terminus at the 6400 South-

Fashion Place Station)

Track work, including switches, derails and signals, is moving forward on both sides of Cottonwood Street as crews work towards connecting the Mid-Jordan line with the Sandy-Salt Lake line. Work is also progressing at the site of the future west platform at the Fashion Place station. Lovendahl Yard track work continues as switches, pre-curved rail and other special track is installed.



* NEW ACTIVITY: Installation of OCS foundations south of Winchester Street

* IMPACT: Work will take place during overnight hours Friday night, July 9, and Saturday night, July 10



* NEW ACTIVITY: Fabrication and installation of a new turnout switch at Fashion Place Station

*TRAFFIC IMPACT: Cottonwood Street will be closed to through traffic between Winchester Street and the I-215 bridge from Thursday, July 15 through Sunday, July 18. Business access will be maintained during the closure.


General Information

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



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 limited.



Construction Hours

Construction is permitted to take place between 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday. Additionally, specific activities may require different working hours depending upon 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) 550-2211.



For More Information

Information is available to assist business and residential communities as well as commuters and stakeholders.

If you have questions or comments regarding the project, please contact our toll-free 24-hour hotline at (888) 550-2211 or e-mail midjordan@rideuta.com. You can also visit the UTA Web site at www.rideuta.com/projects/midjordanlightrail.

West Valley TRAX Construction Update

Image by Steven Vance via Flickr

Welcome!



Construction progresses 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. 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 light green on the east end of the project.

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 West) 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.



Current Construction:

· Overhead wire work continues along Constitution Boulevard.

· Crews are forming and pouring the platform at West Valley City Hall.



Traffic Impacts: There are lane restrictions along Constitution Boulevard; however, access is being maintained.



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 and we will coordinate our efforts with the E Center so you can continue to visit their great events. When TRAX is completed along 3100 South, it will operate on the south side of the roadway.



Current Construction:

· Crews will begin work on the north side of 3100 South and Constitution Boulevard early next week. Crews will be removing and replacing driveways. Access to businesses will be maintained.

· Work continues on the TRAX bridge approaches over I-215 on the south side of 3100 South.

· Work on the overhead electric system is taking place near Decker Lake Drive and 3100 South.

· Crews are working on curbs and sidewalks near the E Center.



Upcoming Construction:

· Landscaping is scheduled to take place in planter islands.



Traffic Impacts:

· Traffic control is in place along 3100 South; however, access is being maintained.



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. We will continue to ensure access is maintained.



Current Construction:

· Decker Lake Drive is now open. We appreciate businesses for their patience.

· Driveway work will begin on the north side of Research Way early next week. Access to businesses will be maintained.

· Track and station work continues in the center of Decker Lake Drive.



Upcoming Construction:

· Track work is scheduled to take place across Redwood Road at the end of July. More information will be available in next week’s update.



Traffic Impacts: There are lane restrictions along Decker Lake Drive and Research Way but access is being maintained.



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.



Current Construction:

· Significant work has been accomplished in the Chesterfield area. Crews continue to work on the rail and other items.





Reach 5

Reach Description: Reach 5 includes construction along 1070 West in the Chesterfield industrial area. This reach includes one bridge structure over the Jordan River and another over 900 West.



Current Construction:

· 1070 West is closed just north of 2320 South for the next four to five weeks. Alternate access will be maintained.

· Work will continue to take place along the center of 1070 West throughout the summer months.

· Work also continues on the Jordan River Bridge and tunnel.



Traffic Impacts: There are various lane restrictions on 1070 West; however, access to businesses is being maintained.



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 to ensure that freight deliveries and other train travel is maintained. Reach 6 includes an extensive bridging system that will enable TRAX to operate over other train traffic.



Current Construction:

· Progress continues on the TRAX bridge structures over 900 West at approximately 2200 South and at the Union Pacific Railroad Roper Yard area.

· Work is also taking place on the overhead electric system.



Reach 7



Reach Description: Reach 7 is the area where the West Valley Line will connect with the current north/south TRAX Line. Construction is taking place along Andy Avenue in South Salt Lake. Crews will closely coordinate activities with businesses to ensure access is maintained.



Current Construction:

· Track work continues near Andy Avenue near 300 West in South Salt Lake City.






General Information



Access during Construction

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



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 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 questions or comments regarding the project, please contact our toll-free 24-hour hotline at (888) 800-8854 or e-mail tcamp@rideuta.com. You can also visit UTA’s Web site at www.rideuta.com.

Some ideas to reuse developments

Image via Wikipedia

Here is a video that I found on the L.A. Creek Freak Website.

While the gas prices mentioned in this video may currently lower than they were back then, but the video does have some great information on how to revitalize our suburban communities into more walkable transit friendly areas.

Part of the video also mentions on how shopping centers in several areas including malls have been reused and redesign to make them more people friendly.

Think about the Dolan Legacy shopping center on the northeast corner of 700 East and 9400 South. While the center only has passable transit service, this area could be redesigned into a more welcoming mixed use development with just some creative thinking.

Another great point made in the video that I have mentioned in the past is the importance of having a mixture of housing price ranges in a development.

One of the problems with existing developments including affordable housing is that it segregates people into different areas which of course leads to the "those kind of people attitudes".

The final part of the video also talks about re-greening areas. Here in Salt Lake there has been talk about restoring City Creek through the downtown area (not counting the fake creek at the City Creek shopping Center).

Is the Streetcar the only hope for Downtown Bountiful?

Image via Wikipedia

Recently I had the opportunity to take a walking tour of the downtown Bountiful area. As many of you know the Downtown Bountiful Business Association is opposing the proposal to bring the streetcar through the area. However, after looking at the current status of the downtown area, the association should be supporting this proposal as it may be the best hope of downtown bountiful surviving in the long term.

The first problem I see with downtown Bountiful is there is not much to attract people to the area. The only restaurant in the immediate area has closed so you have to walk to the extreme end of the downtown area to find a place to eat. In addition a shopping area needs a large variety of stores to keep the area vibrant. However, that is sourly lacking in the downtown Bountiful area.

Of course the city of Bountiful is not helping the downtown area. They used government money to put in a Costco obviously like many city councils lusting after the sales tax dollars. Sadly what city councils turn a blind eye to is that healthy small business bring in more sales tax dollars per square foot than a big box retailer.

While I am sure the city council sold the concept that Costco would bring in additional shoppers to the area, the truth is a Costco and stores like it do nothing for the immediate area businesses. A Costco is a destination store so that people go into the store, shop at it and then head home so they bring no money to the surrounding area.

So is the streetcar the magic that will save downtown Bountiful?

The answer to that question is no. However, what the streetcar does is bring new people into the area that would not otherwise travel to downtown Bountiful. It will create new business opportunities for those that take advantage of them.

To bring true success with the streetcar would probably take something that residents of the area would not be willing to do and that is to increase density and bring some infill development into the sea of parking lots that presently litters the area.

While downtown Bountiful has lasted longer than many downtown areas, its life its slowly being sucked away between their own city council and the Centerville city council slowly subsidizing their business away.

What kind of advocate are you?

Image via Wikipedia

What kind of advocate are you?

One of the problems with being a transit advocate is that there is so many competing interest fighting for precious transit dollars and what kind of system that should be operated.

First you have the Free Transit advocates.

This group of people obviously think that transit service should be provided to free to everyone. Some people in this group are so-called advocates for the poor and feel that transit should be a social service. Many of these people feel that service should be provided to every corner of the service area no matter what the cost.

Free Transit advocates are against rail transit. The thought from them is that the sales tax dollars that go to capital projects could instead go to operations despite the fact that it is the voters that approved those taxes for specific projects because they see the need and the potential of those projects.

Free transit advocates also see that there is a problem with our government induced sprawl but there seems to be a disconnect that a somehow a free transit system would magically reduce sprawl. If free transit will reduce sprawl why do two of Utah's free transit systems have a sprawl problem (Park City and Logan)?

Then there is the coverage advocates.

The folks think that transit should reach every corner of the service area including in areas that standard transit service just makes no economic sense. Once again these people feel that service should be provided at all cost no matter what the cost is.

Some people are also free transit advocates. Never ask these people how do you pay for this type of coverage since usually these people feel that someone else should pay for it. Many of them hate the rich and see them as the enemy and want every dollar possible wrung out of them.

Of course these people also see rail projects as the enemy that takes money away from providing service to all corners of the universe.

You also have Bus Rapid Transit advocates.

These people do want better bus service and believe the hype that BRT is rail on rubber tires. They also believe that BRT cost less than light rail since that is what much of the propaganda tells you.

However, what these people do not take into account is operating cost. While BRT maybe cheaper on the capital side (unless you try to be an equal system), there seems to be a disconnect that operating a BRT system that carries the same number passengers as light rail would cost substantially more to operate.

Another group of advocates are rail advocates.

Now many will consider me a rail advocate and you would be right, however I hope I do vary from what I am classifying as a dedicated rail advocate.

The problem I see with many rail advocates is that they see everything as the enemy. If someone questioned a project or its effects they would attack the person and classify them as a pawn of road warriors.

Just like the anti-streetcar people in Centerville, I don't think they are bad people I disagree with their stance and think that if they could experience the potential of the system and experience what the system could offer, it may show them new possibilities.

We also have the road warriors.

These people hate transit but see it as a necessary for those "losers" that cannot afford to buy a car. Otherwise everyone should want to drive a car that there is something wrong with people who don't want to. You will often here them say that everyone wants to drive and that is why transit has a small market share.

They put on the blinders that our present system has been set up by almost 76 years of pro-automotive government interference. They also turn a blind eye that many people who do own homes today could not afford them if it wasn't for the government getting involved in mortgages back during the FDR administration.

So where do I stand?

First of all, I do not see UTA as an enemy because they do not do everything I think they should. UTA is doing the best it can with available resources. As I have said before, when you are dependent on a very volatile form of revenue, then when bad times happen (like right now) revenue will go down and cuts need to happen. Its just something you have to deal with.

Yes, I think UTA can do things better and its our job as transit advocates to turn UTA down that paths not destroy the organization.

Bus service is necessary but in the long run it is going to take rail transit to carry enough passengers to make economic sense. Also, we need to change the way we look at how are cities function to make transit more effective.

The best way to get service to far ends of the system is to make the existing system more economical through more riders. The best way to do that is make transit more attractive to choice riders and develop true TOD.

Lessons from Vancouver, BC

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The Denver Infill Blog recently had a posting showing some lessons that were learned by a trip to Vancouver, BC.

Lessons from Vancouver

The lessons not only can help Denver but of course be of use to us here in Utah especially as we get closer to the completion of the City Creek project in downtown.

Here is some comments about the priorities in Vancouver:

When asked about the city’s policy and spending priorities within the public realm, the Vancouver planning director said in a very matter-of-fact manner:

1. Pedestrians
2. Bicycles
3. Transit
4. Movement of goods
5. Private automobiles

However, as pointed out in the article it is not just the planning department that has those priorities but also Parks and Recreation, Public Works and from the Mayor down. Vancouver seems to be avoiding the problem that most cities with bickering and different priorities for every department and a lack of working together.

Another interesting comment is that more is expected out of developers than here in the our region or most US cities for that matter. Instead we let developers have free reign and if you try to limit it you always get the cries of "private land rights" and "free enterprise".

The blog also points to the architecture requirements in Vancouver. The buildings are required to be interesting at the top so that buildings have some character. If you look at the new 222 tower and the new residential towers going up in City Creek you will not seeing anything that attracts the eye to the top. In fact the architecture of the buildings is very boring and drab.

Still another benefit of living in downtown Vancouver is the amount of grocery stores and other retailers that cater to the residents of the city. The side benefit of the number of grocery stores in downtown Vancouver is that area residents don't need to drive for quick trips to the store. However, retail isn't forced into every nook and cranny however the ground floors of buidlings must be appealing and pedestrian friendly if it does not have retail.

Finally, and most important Vancouver is more family friendly. Too often all the development in downtown areas is that it primary caters to those without children. However, Vancouver requires a certain number of 3 and 4 bedroom units in condo and apartment complexes that brings more families into the downtown area. In addition Vancouver has plenty of downtown day care centers, schools and other kid friendly spaces.

While Vancouver is unique, there is no reason why we can't take some good ideas from them and apply them to our area.