Mid Jordan TRAX line construction update

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Mid-Jordan Light Rail TRAX Construction Update: October 22, 2008*

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

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

Bangerter Bridge

Activity: Crews will be drilling in preparation for the main center pier in the median area at approximately 8700 South (just south of the Old Bingham Highway overpass). Traffic Impacts: To accommodate equipment movement, beginning on Thursday at 9:00 p.m., the centermost northbound and southbound lanes of Bangerter Highway will be closed, and the center southbound lane will close at 11:00 p.m. All lanes will re-open at 5:00 a.m. Friday morning. Also, the Old Bingham Highway overpass at Bangerter Highway and the northbound centermost lane and southbound centermost and center lanes of Bangerter Highway will be closed from 9:00 p.m. on October 24^th through 5:00 a.m. on October 27^th.

Sugar Factory Area

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

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

Old Bingham Area

Activity: Crews will be removing a median barrier beneath the Old Bingham Highway Bridge. Traffic Impacts: From October 20^th through November 2^nd, Old Bingham Highway will have one lane open with flagging operations at the Bangerter overcrossing. From October 24^th through October 27^th, Old Bingham Highway will be closed at the Bangerter overcrossing.

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

Gardner Village Area

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

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

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

Cottonwood Area

Activity: Construction on Cottonwood Street will begin on September 2nd and will continue through mid-November. Traffic Impacts: Lane restrictions and closures as follows:

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

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

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

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

Sarah Loughlin

Community Involvement Specialist

Utah Transit Authority

801-236-4783

sloughlin@rideuta.com

More Trains to Pleasant View

UTA adds more stops in Pleasant View

Airport Line Launching Event

Image by pbo31 via Flickr

UTA Airport Light Rail Line Takes Flight

Airport TRAX line to begin construction on fourth project of $2.8 billion program

What: The Utah Transit Authority announces the launch event for the Airport TRAX light rail line. This event marks the beginning of construction activites for the six mile project. This is the fourth of five lines included to UTA’s FrontLines 2015 project.

When: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 9:30 a.m.

Where: Utah State Fairpark, 1000 West North Temple

(Enter from 1000 West and follow the “UTA Event” signs)

Who: Speakers:

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker

Salt Lake City Councilman Carlton Christensen

Salt Lake City Councilman Van Turner

Utah House Speaker Greg Curtis

Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce President Lane Beattie

Info: The Airport TRAX line includes five new stations and branches off the Sandy/Salt Lake TRAX line at the Arena Station.

New Stations:

800 West South Temple

155 North 1000 West

1550 West North Temple

1900 West North Temple

Salt Lake International Airport, Terminal one.

UTA’s FrontLines 2015 project also includes the West Valley, Draper and Airport TRAX lines as well as the FrontRunner Provo to Salt Lake line.

The Airport TRAX line is scheduled to be finished by 2015.

For more information, visit www.rideuta.com.

Blog Entries of Note...

Image by Amber Rhea via FlickrFrom the Mobilizing the Region Blog:

Where the Sidewalk Continues…

In September 2006, NJ Gov. Jon Corzine launched a five-year, $74 million statewide pedestrian safety initiative that included money for several NJDOT pedestrian safety programs, traffic calming infrastructure, “traffic-stat” technology, and increased inter-agency coordination. Two years in, the results are visible around the state.

This is what we need in Utah, a program to improve pedestrian safety.

From the Xing Columbus Blog:

62 New Bike Racks Installed in Past Three Months

Columbus, Ohio has installed a large number of bike racks around their city recently. One of the problems many bicyclist face is the lack of facilities to park their bikes. The next time you are out see how often you see bike racks available.

From the Overhead Wire Blog comes:

Pushy SF1

Another great entry from the Overhead Wire about so called free market and new urbanism.

From Streetsblog LA:

Metro Making Room for Bikes on Their Trains

Metro in Los Angeles actually banned bicycles during rush hour periods but is now reversing itself and doing the same thing as UTA: removing seats from trains to give more room for bicycles.

Transportation for America Launches Legislative Campaign

Campaign to improve transit and rail infrastructure.

From the Steve Munro Blog:

Diesels, Not Hybrids, At Least For Now

Back when UTA implemented the fuel surcharge people scream why doesn't UTA buy more Hybrid buses (UTA currently has three in the fleet). In Toronto, they have decided to order more diesel buses because the batteries are only lasting a quarter of the time they were supposed to.

From the Orphan Road Blog:

Parking Ruins Everything

Some interesting information about a couple of different boroughs in New York.

West Valley Construction Update

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

Currently, construction is taking place in all reaches.

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

Reach 1

Reach Description: Reach 1 is the area along Constitution Boulevard (2700 South) from West Valley City Hall at 3600 South extending north to 3100 South. This area includes both large and small businesses, as well as many residents. Access to all business and residences will be maintained throughout construction. Current Construction: Preliminary construction continues as third party utility relocations take place on Constitution Boulevard in preparation for the beginning of TRAX construction in this area. Upcoming Construction: Third party utility relocations will continue to take place in this reach throughout the next couple of months. Traffic Impacts: Current impacts to motorists should be minimal at this time; however, there will be minor lane restrictions as utility companies work along Constitution Boulevard. As construction proceeds, we will personally visit with residents and businesses in this area to keep them informed.

Reach 2

Reach Description: Reach 2 is the area along 3100 South from Constitution Boulevard to Decker Lake Drive. The E Center and a few other businesses are located in this reach, as well as residents on either side of 3100 South. Access will be maintained throughout construction in this reach and we will work with The E Center to coordinate our efforts so you can continue to visit the great events they have to offer. When TRAX is completed along 3100 South, it will operate on the south side of the roadway. Current Construction: Currently a sewer tie-in was completed at The E Center on the south side of 3100 South. Utility pole relocation and other utility work on the north side of 3100 South have also been completed in this area. Upcoming Construction: Construction is anticipated to intensify on the south side of 3100 South just east of Constitution Boulevard by the end of October or first part of November 2008. As we get closer to construction in this area, we will be in contact with the residents and schools to let them know more about how work will proceed. Traffic Impacts: Current impacts to motorists should be minimal in this reach because the majority of work takes place along the sides of 3100 South.

Reach 3

Reach Description: Reach 3 is the area along Decker Lake Drive from 3100 South to Research Way (2770 South) and running east to Redwood Road. This area includes many commercial office buildings with thousands of employees who access this area on a daily basis. We will continually work with these businesses to ensure access is provided at all times. Current Construction: Crews have completed the sewer line on the west side of Decker Lake Drive. Construction has now switched to the east side of Decker Lake Drive to begin work on the storm drain. This work is anticipated to take place throughout the next several months. Crews have also started to expose utilities along Research Way located at 2770 South just west of Redwood Road. Access is being maintained and impacts along Research Way should be minimal at this time. Upcoming Construction: Beginning October 13th and lasting for approximately one week, Decker Lake Drive between Research Way and 3100 South will temporarily close from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to accommodate nighttime construction work. Crews will install a portion of a storm drain that runs from one side of the road to the other to minimize impacts to motorists and people working in the area. The roadway will open in time for the morning commute and employees needing access to businesses along Decker Lake Drive will be accommodated. Construction is anticipated to take place along Decker Lake Drive throughout the next several months. Traffic Impacts: · Currently, traffic has switched to the west side of Decker Lake Drive and one lane of traffic is operational in each direction and access to businesses is maintained. · Decker Lake Drive will temporarily close from Research Way to 3100 South for nighttime construction from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on October 13th and last for approximately one week. Please be mindful of workers in this area and obey posted speed limits.

Reach 4

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

Reach 5

Reach Description: Reach 5 will include construction along 1070 West in the Chesterfield industrial area. This reach will include one bridge structure over the Jordan River and another over 900 West. Current Construction: Crews have started preliminary construction in this reach along 1070 West. They are currently “potholing” or exposing utilities in this area to determine their exact locations under the street. The majority of utility work in this area is taking place on 1070 West just north of Parkway Avenue. Access is being maintained in this area and impacts to motorist should be minimal at this time. Crews have created a corridor for TRAX that extends from Reach 4 to connect with 1070 West in this reach. Upcoming Construction: Utility work has begun along 1070 West in the Chesterfield industrial area. Traffic lanes and access to businesses will be maintained for businesses in this area. To learn more about construction in this area, businesses are encouraged to call our project hotline. Traffic Impacts: Currently, any impacts to motorists should be minimal in this construction reach.

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: Crews have installed steel piles 120’ into the ground to form the main foundations for the aerial bridge that will carry TRAX over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. These steel piles are welded together and then pounded into the earth until they reach bedrock and form the basis of the bridge structure. Upcoming Construction: Coordination will continue with the Union Pacific Railroad to install utilities and bridge structures in this reach. Traffic Impacts: Not applicable. This is a Union Pacific Railroad work area.

Reach 7

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

Access during Construction

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

Construction Hours

Construction on the project is permitted to take place between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Additionally, specific activities may require different working hours depending upon the conditions and will be coordinated with city officials.

Construction Tours

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

For More Information

Timely and helpful information is available to assist 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 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.

Additional TRAX trains for U of U football game...

Image by Timmy Chaves via Flickr

UTA Increases Service for Saturday’s University of Utah Football Game

The Utah Transit Authority is encouraging the public to avoid traffic and parking congestion by taking public transportation to the University of Utah versus Colorado State football game, scheduled for Saturday, October 18 at 12 p.m.

To accommodate crowds heading to the football game, UTA will operate three additional TRAX vehicles to and from Rice Eccles Stadium for increased capacity Saturday afternoon.

Three light rail trains will leave Sandy Civic Center Station at 10:27 a.m., 10:42 a.m., and 10:57 a.m. These trains will stop at all stations between Sandy and the Courthouse Station, and then travel to the University line’s to the Stadium station. The three TRAX trains are scheduled to arrive on campus at approximately 11:08 a.m., 11:23 a.m., and 11:38 a.m.

After the football game, there will be three TRAX trains dispatched from the Stadium Station to Sandy Civic Center, and all stops in between.

Besides this extra service, regular Saturday TRAX service will run every 15 minutes, as scheduled.

For more information, please visit www.rideuta.com.

UTA Board Meeting October 22nd

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AGENDA OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UTAH TRANSIT AUTHORITY

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, in the Board Room of the Administration Building at the Meadowbrook Facility located at 3600 South 700 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, with the following agenda.

1. Welcome.

-- Larry Ellertson

2. Swearing in of new board member(s).

3. Public Comment (10 Minutes).

- Larry Ellertson

(The Board of Trustees invites brief comments or questions from the public during regularly scheduled Board meetings. Please note, in order to be considerate of everyone attending the meeting and to more closely follow the published agenda times, public comments will be limited to two minutes per person per item. A spokesperson who has been asked by a group to summarize their comments may be allowed five minutes to speak.)

4. Resolutions

a. Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority Adopting the 2009 Tentative Budget and the Goals.

--Terry C. Diehl

b. Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the Wasatch Front Regional Council, Ogden City, Weber State University, Intermountain Healthcare, Weber County, Weber County Council of Governments and Utah Department of Transportation regarding the Ogden/Weber State Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis and National Environmental Policy Act Review

--Terry C. Diehl

c. Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Utah Department of Transportation Regarding Mountain View Corridor Project Coordination and Adoption of Locally Preferred Alternative

-- Terry C. Diehl

d. Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement Regarding The Development and Operation of a Rails to Trails Project on the Utah Transit Authority Owned Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Corridor

--Terry C. Diehl

5. Executive Limitations

a. Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority Adopting an Executive Limitations Policy for Service Stabilization Enterprise Fund.

--Terry C. Diehl

6. Board Process

a. Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority Amending the Board Process Policy 4.4.1 Actual and Potential Conflict of Interest

--Michelle Baguley

b. Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority Amending the Board Process Policy 4.4.4 Duty of Loyalty.

--Michelle Baguley

7. President’s Report

-- Larry Ellertson

8. General Manager’s Report.

-- Michael Allegra

9. General Counsel’s Report.

– Bruce T. Jones

10. Closed Session.

a. Strategy Session to Discuss the Purchase, Exchange or Lease of Real Property when Public Discussion would Prevent the Public Body from Completing the Transaction on the Best Possible Terms.

b. Strategy Session to Discuss the Character, Professional Competence, or Physical or Mental HHHealth of an Individual.

c. Strategy Session to Discuss On-going and/or Potential Litigation.

11. Action Taken Regarding Matters Discussed in Closed Session.

– Larry Ellertson

12. Other Business.

13. Consent.

a. Approval of Financial Statements of August 2008.

b. Approval of Minutes of Board Meeting of September 19, 2008.

c. Approval of Minutes of Board Meeting of September 24, 2008.

14. Adjournment.