Transit Customer Service from F to A grades

English: by me UTA bus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Bus 2909 of TriMet, the public transit agency in Portland, Oregon, is a 2009-built New Flyer D40LFR. It is pictured on Harrison Street at 4th Avenue in downtown Portland, outbound on route 54 to Beaverton Transit Center. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Denver - CBD: RTD Light Rail (Photo credit: wallyg)

     The following are three customer service examples from three different transit agencies in the western US. After reading the three incidents and the response from the transit agency, which one of these agencies would you like to be a customer of? The three offer the best examples of a total failure, adequate action, and giving outstanding customer service.

   

      

Denver RTD

Grade: F 

      Denver RTD gets the worst grade for customer service. My experience started when I flew into DIA for a meeting and took a RTD bus and light rail to my motel. I boarded one of their MCI commuter cruisers with an all day, all zone pass which I purchased on-line. The driver has to punch the day pass for it to be valid, well the driver did and punched the wrong day. Unfortunately the drivers do not carry day passes so when we got to the light rail station I had to purchase another day pass. 

      First of all I was not mad at the driver and when I talked to Denver RTD customer service I did not mention which bus or time that it happened. A couple of weeks, that's right weeks after I talk to them about the day pass they send me a nasty email saying basically too bad, not our problem. The email was extremely unprofessional and showed a lack of customer care by RTD. 

Portland TriMet

Grade: C

     I have been riding TriMet for about a year now since moving here to Portland. For the most part most of my trips are pretty uneventful except for the random person that has to talk on their cell phone way too loud telling the other person about their sex life and so on.  However, I have had two experiences with TriMet operators in which I took up an issue with their customer service department. I should point out that I have also sent in three commendations for drivers also so I am not only complaining, but also commend those that are excellent in their jobs. 

     In both incidents I got a email from a customer service rep that said sorry you had an issue and said the driver would be talked to. I will say that both letters were written individually and not form letters which I gives points to TriMet. TriMet does the basics in good customer service, nothing more so it gets a passing grade. 

Salt Lake City Utah Transit Authority

Grade: A 

     In my time riding UTA, I only one time sent in a complaint. That day I went to take one bus to a Park N Ride lot to catch a second bus. It was daylight out so that cannot be used as an excuse. The driver of the first bus passed me right on by didn't even bother to slow down. Immediately behind him was another bus deadheading to the Park N Ride lot. This driver hit is breaks but then kept on going. I then waited for the next bus to come along. Because the next was supposed to do a loop before heading to the Park N Ride lot I would miss my next bus. However, the driver of the next bus went ahead and dropped me at the Park N Ride Lot so I wouldn't miss my next bus. 

     The customer service person at UTA offered me two free day passes (since at the time I was not riding on a daily basis so I didn't need the discount on a monthly pass). Of course I didn't complain to get the free day passes and never sent in another complaint. However, UTA did the best job of taking care of the customer and ensuring they will be happy with UTA service. 

     You can clearly see why UTA gets the best grade here. Some would argue that they should not waste the money trying to please a dissatisfied customer however, that response would be narrow minded. Transit systems need to work on their customer service skills just like any other company that provides a service and deals with passengers every day of the week. 

     

       

Related articles

• Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Customer Experience

Ride the new TRAX lines August 3rd

UTA will be holding a special celebration August 3rd for the opening of the Mid Jordan and West Valley TRAX lines. Trains will be operating on their new schedules offering public rides from approximately 9:00AM to 11:00pm. Fare will be free but are encouraged to bring food items to donate for the Utah Food Bank.

This will be an excellent opportunity to check out the newest light rail lines in the country and ride the new S70 low floor light rail vehicles.

I will not have the opportunity to ride the new lines until sometime in the future probably next June or so. I look forward to checking them out.

UTA TRAX S70 cars

On Monday UTA held a press photo event to see the new Siemens Low Floor S70 light rail vehicles now testing on the Sandy line. UTA also announced that the cars should enter regular service in the spring.

A Transit Day for all weather...

Took my first transit trip of the new year yesterday. I started off at the intersection of California Avenue and Pioneer. I had originally planned to take the route 232 to downtown but because of the rain I was running late and just missed the bus heading to downtown.

I decided to walk down to 1700 South since I could catch either a 232 or 248 and thought that a 248 would come around 8:48. As I was walking down to 1700 South the weather changed from rain to hail.

Just a couple of minutes after I arrived at the first stop for the 248 a 1999 Gillig Advantage pulled up with a couple of passenger and we headed to the Ballpark TRAX station.

UTA is finally putting in a permanent bus shelter in at Central Station which should do a pretty good job of keeping customers out of the elements while waiting for bus. While I was walking around the station I also saw the new Gillig Advantage BRT Hybrid buses were in service on routes 2 and 550.

While at the station I also walked over and check out the new bicycle center. While the center looks nice there was not a single bike in the bike parking area. While I don't know how it is doing overall, you have to wonder if it is not suffering from the poor location of the station.

From Central Station I rode some of the "getto" UTDC ex-San Jose VTA cars that are usually running on the University line. While the cars could have used a good interior revamp when they were refurbished, they are still in better shape than bus would be of comparable age.

As usual the train was packed by the time it left Gallivan Plaza but I got off at Library to spend some time doing paperwork at the Downtown Library. From there I did some walking around the south downtown area before taking TRAX and route 232 to my starting point.

Oh and the weather changed again. When I arrived at the Library it started to snow but by the time I left it was sunny but cold. It then clouded up during the rest of the trip. A little bit of weather for everyone...

Well it wasn't an exciting trip report but it there will some good ones coming up in a few months. In May I will be making a trip to Portland and all my travel in Portland will be on Tri-Met and after June 15th I will be riding transit almost every so I should have some interesting comments then.

However, on this trip I did get a few ideas for upcoming postings so look for them soon.

NIMBYism and Unintended Consequences

Image by boltzr via Flickr
Any time a NIMBY wins a battle, there is often unintended consequences of that win. Sometimes the NIMBY's can end up with something worse than they were fighting against. Sometimes the consequence is a loss of something that could really helped the community in the long run.

In Salt Lake City, the west side of the city suffers from the victim mentality of NIMBY. They see things as a threat to their community because everyone likes to pick on the west side. While the west side did get screwed with the building of I-15 and I-80 that effectively cut them off from the rest of the city and the rebuilding that did not do the right thing and lower the freeway, the will often become their worst enemies by fighting projects that will ultimately help their neighborhood.

A perfect example of this is the Airport TRAX line. One of the plans for the line was to run it down 600 West and service Central Station in west Salt Lake. However, the west side fought against the project because it would have created a viaduct over the existing Union Pacific and Front Runner railroad tracks.

However, the section of the west side that would have been effected by this viaduct is minor. In fact it is actually cut off from the rest of the west side by I-15. In fact we are only talking about a few homes along the street along with a fairly new apartment complex at the corner of 600 West and North Temple.

Now instead of the viaduct, TRAX trains on the Airport will not serve the Intermodal Station at all and instead will continue to travel on North Temple, turn on 400 West and connect up with the existing TRAX lines at South Temple.

Now comes the unintended consequences.

Because there will no longer be a direct connection from the airport to Central Station, the two proposed hotels for the station area will not be built. While they would have not provide a huge amount of jobs, but they would have created new opportunities for economic development in a part of town that desperately needs it. With the addition of the hotels it would have been more likely that Central Station and Gateway could be connected through redevelopment.

However, all is not lost in the Central Station district. The city of Salt Lake does have plans on the books that would redevelop the area between Central Station and the old Rio Grande Station that would also connect those areas to downtown area.

While the west side NIMBY's may have won a battle in their area, in the long run their actions may have actually set back their area a decade or more.

Portland Day 1

This blog is being made from the city of Portland, Oregon as I spend a couple of days in the city before attending Railvolution which starts on Monday.

The entire time I am in Portland I will be using Tri-Met bus and rail service to get along. I wish I could say that the trip started on transit but I needed to be at the Salt Lake airport at 6:30am and that is an hour before the first UTA route 550 gets to the airport so I had to use the Express shuttle to reach the airport. Hopefully once TRAX is operating they will have earlier service for those taking those first flights of the morning.

After arriving in Portland I made the short walk over the the MAX station which is located near the baggage claim area of the airport terminal. It has been 6 years since I was last on the Red Line from the airport and there has been many changes. Back then the train didn't allow passengers off at the Mt Hood station, but today there has been a large amount of development along the line, sadly much of it auto centric such as IKEA and Target but there is also some hotels locating along the line and promoting their access to MAX.

At the Gateway Transit Center I transferred to the Green Line since it is the only MAX line I have not ridden. The train I caught from Gateway came from the Ruby Junction carhouse on the far end of Blue Line in Gresham so there was not many passengers.

The Green Line epitomizes why freeway transit lines don't work well. Except for the SE Main station which serves Mall 205 which is also an auto centric shopping center, most of the stations are difficult to reach and have difficult access from street level. The one exception is the SE Flavel station which is at street level and has bus service directly in front of it. However, the most of the high density residential development in the area is actually located on the opposite side of the freeway from MAX with the freeway creating its usual wall between neighborhoods.

The final station is at the Clackamas Town Center Mall. However, to reach the mall you have to pass a multi story parking garage which also houses the bus stops of the transit center and then the main mall parking. Once again the transit center is on the mall property but does not integrate with the mall. Hopefully over time mall management will see the opportunity of blending the mall with the transit station.

I then headed into downtown Portland on the Green Line while I had been down the transit mall in a bus a few years ago, today I rode light rail down the famous transit mall. I was hoping to ride the new Siemens S series cars that Portland has and will soon be in service for UTA but every train I rode had the older Siemens low floor cars.

I also had the opportunity to ride the Portland streetcar on the short stretch that I have not previously rode from Riverplace to the current end of the line at SW Lowell. I was hoping to ride the Willamette Shore Trolley along the proposed route of the Lake Oswego Rapid Streetcar but their website said they have mechanical problems that will have it out of service until sometime in December.

I also shopped at the Safeway Store at Jefferson and 10th which is on the streetcar line. This store is actually a pedestrian friendly store. Despite what Kroger says, a pedestrian friendly store can be built and be successful.

Portland is an outstanding town to explore by transit and by foot and I will be doing more of that tomorrow.

August 7, 2011 - Save the Date!!

Image via Wikipedia
Today I attended the press conference held at the UTA's TRAX maintenance facility which is the former ZCMI warehouse at 2100 South and 900 East.

Not only is the Frontlines program 50% finished, but it was also announced that both the West Valley and Mid Jordan TRAX lines will open on the same day August 7, 2011. I am surprised that UTA would try to open two extensions on the same day. I know of no transit agency that has pulled that off at least in last 30 years (correct me if I am wrong).

The day will be a great day in the region for improving our transportation options throughout the area.

Front Runner Construction Update

Image via Wikipedia
Greetings,



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

Below is the FrontRunner South construction update for September 25 – October 1. Please note that construction information is subject to change.



FrontRunner South construction began in 2008 and is more than 50 percent complete. The FrontRunner South line will be complete and operational by 2015. Please visit UTA’s FrontRunner South Webpage to learn more about the project. To view more FrontRunner South construction photos, please visit www.flickr.com/rideuta.



UTA would like to remind Utah County express bus riders that service from the 2100 N. Lehi park and ride lot has been discontinued. Express bus service is now available from the Lehi FrontRunner park and ride lot at 2821 W. Executive Parkway, as well as the American Fork FrontRunner park and ride lot at 782 W. 200 S. Because the Lehi park and ride lot will be opened in phases, more stalls are currently available at the American Fork park and ride lot. Street parking is available near the Lehi park and ride lot.



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



Construction Activity:

Crews will relocate power poles at 1300 South and clear and grub the corridor and continue waterline work between 1700 South and Mill Creek. North of 3900 South crews will be excavating for a retaining wall and south of 3900 South crews will be constructing a wall. At the Central Avenue bridge, crews will pour concrete for the bridge’s back and wing walls and finish shear keys. They will also install signal power service in the area. Between Central Avenue and 4500 South crews will continue track way embankment and at the 4500 South bridge crews will continue retaining wall construction for the bridge’s south abutment and clean up and grade the slopes at the bridge.



Traffic Impacts:

There will be truck traffic on Central Avenue Monday through Friday.



The eastbound right lane will be closed on 4500 South Monday through Friday.



Salt Lake Central Station:

Station complete.



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



Construction Activity:

Between 4500 South and 4800 South crews will restore street light power and install signal power service. At the 5300 South bridge crews will install deck plates and at Vine Street crews will excavate for a crash wall. Between 5300 South and 5900 South, crews will embank the track way and install storm drain, and between 5900 South and I-215, crews will continue waterline work and also clear and grub the corridor. At the 7200 South bridge, crews will place surcharge.



Traffic Impacts:

The 4500 South Frontage Road is currently closed at the tracks for bridge work through September.



There will be the following impacts on 5300 South this week:

· Westbound left lane closure, Monday

· Eastbound right lane closure, Tuesday through Thursday



There will be truck traffic at 5900 South all week.



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 continue wall excavation north of 9000 South and soil nail installation south of 9000 South. Crews will be installing fencing on top of the retaining wall between 9120 South and 9400 South and at the 9120 South bridge crews will build forms and pour concrete for the south abutment. At the 10600 South bridge crews will install shoring at the south abutment and continue work on the north abutment walls. Crews will continue mass excavation between South Jordan Gateway and 11400 South and sheet pile shoring installation south of 11400 South. At the Bangerter Highway bridge, crews will continue work on the shear keys.



Traffic Impacts:

The eastbound right lane will be closed on 9120 South Monday through Thursday.



There will be a northbound lane closure on South Jordan Gateway at approximately 10300 South for truck traffic.



There will be a full closure of all eastbound lanes on 10600 South between Saturday, October 2 at 10:00 p.m. and Monday, October 4 at 5:00 a.m.



There will be the following impacts on Bangerter Highway this week:

· Westbound right lane closure, Tuesday

· Westbound left lane closure, Wednesday



There will be truck traffic with flaggers on 14600 South Monday through Friday.



South Jordan Station:

Lightweight fill for the job is being stored at the station site. There are no construction activities to report.



Draper Future Station:

There are no construction activities to report.



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



Construction Activity:

Crews will be repairing a wall near 14600 South and continuing canal realignment work south of 14600 South. Now that Union Pacific traffic has been shifted onto the new bridge constructed at the Jordan River, crews are retrofitting the old UP bridge for UTA’s use. This week, crews will place girders and build deck forms. Crews will be installing permanent fencing north of Thanksgiving Point and along the Golf Course.



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.



Construction Activity:

In the Cranberry Farms area, crews will be working on a retaining wall at approximately 2400 North, staging ties and distributing rail and installing duct for fiber at the 2300 West and 2100 North bridges. Crews will also install deck plates at the 2300 West bridge and grout and patch and install bolsters at the 2100 North bridge. Between 2100 North and 1500 North crews will stage ties and distribute rail, and between 1220 North and 900 North crews will clear and grub the corridor, build slopes and ditches, prepare the sub grade and install signal power.



Crews will construct crossing upgrades this week at the Main Street crossing in downtown Lehi. This work will include signal and track work, the installation of concrete medians and signs, road striping, and asphalt replacement. Crews will be working 24 hours a day at this crossing in order to reopen it as soon as possible to the travelling public.



On Center Street, crews will be installing concrete medians near the crossing, and southeast of 300 East in Lehi, crews will finish prepping the sub grade prep and place sub ballast.



Traffic Impacts:

There will be truck traffic on 500 West in Lehi near the tracks all week.



The Main Street crossing in Lehi will be closed for crossing upgrade work Monday, September 27 through Sunday, October 3. Traffic will be detoured on 300 West, 500 North and 500 West.



There will be lane restrictions on Center Street in Lehi on Monday.



Lehi Station:

A portion of the Lehi Station Park and Ride Lot is now open for public use.



At the pedestrian tunnel, crews will continue work on the tunnel floor and will also trench for a drain connection. At the Park and Ride Lot, crews continue preparing a new section of the parking lot for paving.



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



Construction Activity:

Crews will be installing fiber between 7350 West in American Fork and University Parkway in Orem. In American Fork, crews will continue work to relocate a power pole and phone pedestal at 1500 South. Between 400 North in Vineyard and Geneva Road in Orem, crews will install permanent fencing.



Traffic Impacts:

There will be lane restrictions on 1500 South in American Fork Monday through Wednesday.



American Fork Station:

A portion of the American Fork Station Park and Ride Lot is now open for public use.



There are no construction activities to report.



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 surface, line and dress the track between University Parkway in Orem and 2000 North in Provo and install fiber between University Parkway and 1680 North. North of 820 North in Provo, crews will be re-grading ditches, and between 700 West and 900 South crews will de-stress track and remove poles.



Traffic Impacts:

There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area.



Provo Station:

Crews will install vapor barrier and tie rebar for the low deck at the Provo Station.

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.

Mid Jordan TRAX Construction Update

Image by Steven Vance via Flickr
UTA Mid-Jordan TRAX Line Weekly Construction Update: September 24, 2010

* Traffic on 7800 South in West Jordan will be subject to lane shifts continuing through early October.

* 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.

Daybreak Area

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



New vehicle testing is ongoing in Daybreak. Crews continue installing canopy components including bench brackets and side slats. Crews will also be cleaning up at the 5600 West park & ride.

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)

Miscellaneous track work continues in this segment. Crews will be striping the 4800 West park & ride.

Sugar Factory Area

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

Work moves forward for the entrance to the West Jordan City Center park & ride. Light pole foundations are being poured. Track and overhead catenary system (OCS) work continues in this segment.

Gardner Village Area

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

Canopies are scheduled to be erected at the Bingham Junction station, and ADA ramps are scheduled to be poured as well. Landscaping continues at the Historic Gardner park & ride.



ACTIVITY: Bridge repairs at 7800 South

TRAFFIC IMPACT: 7800 South will have lane shifts in place through early October.

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)

Grading crews continue working at the Fashion Place park & ride, and curb, gutter and sidewalks are being constructed. The canopies are scheduled to be painted, and the dirt parking lot south of the Y tracks is scheduled for grading prior to being paved in early October. OCS and electrical work continues.

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.

Airport TRAX Line Construction Update

Image via Wikipedia
Welcome!

Construction continues on UTA’s 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.

A description of what is happening in each area is listed below. Text marked in red indicates new work items. 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:

Crews are working to restore 3700 West to two traffic lanes before the season changes.
Work on the Rocky Mountain Power fiber infrastructure continues. Internal airport traffic restrictions will be in place.
Crews continue work on the 24’’ sewer installation. This work is taking place within internal airport lots.
Crews are working the 18’’ storm drain near the Terminal One Welcome Center.
Work continues along 3700 West as crews form and pour pedestrian ramps and form, pour and strip ballast curb.
Crews will begin working on an 18” storm drain near the United States Post Office.
Pedestrian traffic has been switched to the east side of 3700 West.
Crews are repairing sewer sags along 3700 West.


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:

Crews are relocating the UDOT solar sign in this area.
Work continues on v ditches and cast in place walls.
Storm drain work is taking place.
Crews are forming and pouring a concrete line ditch.
Cast in place wall work is scheduled to begin again.


Upcoming Construction:

Production welding will begin at the end of October. Crews will weld 80’ strands of rail into a continuous 1200’ strand of rail at that time.
· Ductbank and OCS work begins in the coming weeks at X Bar to 2400 West.



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:

Demolition of the slope paving is scheduled to begin next week at I-215.



Reach 4

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



Current Construction:

Traffic signal work, including conduits, pedestals and junction boxes, is taking place at 1950 West and North Temple.
Work is taking place on the joint trench crossing at three different locations, with one crossing located at Orange Street and North Temple. Various lane restrictions are in place; however, access is being maintained.
Crews are installing an 8’’ storm drain to address back of walk drainage issues.
Work is taking place on the southeast, northwest, and northeast corners of Redwood Road and North Temple as crews work on a storm drain. Traffic impacts are expected to be minimal during this phase of work.
Waterlines will be relocated for meters and hydrants and will require Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nighttime service disruptions. We will be meeting with businesses prior to this work.
Crews are removing and replacing curb, gutter, sidewalk and driveways on the north and south sides of North Temple between Redwood Road and I-215.


Upcoming Construction:

Duder Street will close on Monday, Sept. 27, as crews demo and restore the entrance off of North Temple. This portion of work will be completed in less than one week. We will meet with businesses prior to construction.
Crews are scheduled to begin sewer sag repairs at Orange Street and North Temple in mid-November. At this time, various lane restrictions will be in place; however, access to businesses will be maintained and signage will be provided. In preparation, various activities are taking place near Orange Street. As we get closer to construction we will meet with businesses in this area.


Traffic Impacts: There are right and left lane restrictions between the I-215 overpass and Redwood Road throughout the day. As work progresses, there will be additional lane restrictions for both east and west bound traffic. Access will be maintained at all times.



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 businesses and office complexes will be maintained.



Current Construction:

Crews are relocating gas lines with new casings.


Upcoming Construction:

In the coming weeks, various pieces of wet and dry utility work will filter into this area.


Traffic Impacts:

One lane of traffic is restricted.



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 businesses and the State Fairpark will be maintained.



Current Construction:

Storm drain work is taking place in this reach.


Upcoming Construction:

City Creek work is scheduled to begin to complete structures and paving.


Traffic Impacts: After the State Fair, traffic will be 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 throughout the construction project.



Current Construction:

The North Temple Viaduct re-construction project began April 18 and will last for approximately 18 months.
Wet and dry utility relocations are currently taking place at 400 West to prepare for the City Creek East relocation.
Work continues on abutments, pier caps, and fascia walls and work is ahead of schedule.


Upcoming Construction:

In early October, crews will be on 400 West with the City Creek East work. Significant traffic impacts will be in place along 400 West.
Please see the viaduct construction guide below to find out how to get around during construction.

Business Profile-

North Temple Business Profile- Relax Nails Wants You To… Relax
It’s not just a name, but a promise as well. Relax Nails not only specializes in
making finger nails look great, but its employees work to provide “a great place
for people to come in and relax.”

Relax Nails manager Long Lam said the shop
opened its doors on 900 West North Temple
because “it’s a great location to serve the
community.” The family owned and operated
business employs four people who specialize in
hand-painted nail design and has been open
since Aug. 1, 2009.

They are open from 10
a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and
noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

With most of their customers coming from the
North Temple area, Lam said, “It’s a great
community.” Relax Nails recently participated in the North Temple’s Community
Advisory Committee’s efforts to spread the word that businesses are open as
usual. They invite you in for some pampering of your own.

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.

Getting riders to entertainment, shopping and employement

While using an existing rail line for light rail service makes since in many respects, one of the downfalls including the North-South TRAX line is that it has a hard time serving major employment and entertainment spots that were designed around the automobile. As Transit Oriented Development becomes more common in the area that will be less of an issue but until then we have to deal with existing development and working around it.

Sandy is a perfect example of the problem. While the 9400 south station directly serves Jordan Commons, other major spots are not close to the TRAX stations. While this would not be a problem in a pedestrian friendly area, I am sure there is no one who would describe the area between the Sandy Center station and the South Towne Mall as being the least be pedestrian friendly, in fact it is very hostile to the pedestrian.

Even mainline bus service has a difficult time serving some of these destinations. After all, you get off the bus and many times you are faced with crossing a huge swath of concrete with cars speeding through it and their drivers not paying attention to anything except to save two seconds.

The best answer would be to provide call 'n ride services such as Denver's at the Historic Sandy and Sandy Civic Center TRAX stations:

Denver Call N Ride

The other solution would be to provide shuttle services from these stations to the major points in the Sandy Area.

Here is an example of a couple of shuttles that could be run that would take people from the TRAX station:

Route A: From the Sandy Civic Center TRAX station via Sego Lily/10000 South, travel north on 300 West to the SLCC campus then return to 10000 South, then via Jordan Gateway, 10600 South and South Riverfront Parkway through the major office complex there. This route probably could run rush hours only but by adding a couple of destinations could become a full time route.

Route B: This route would travel from the Sandy Civic Center TRAX station via Sego Lily, 700 East and 9400 South to Alta View Hospital. After making a loop through the hospital travel 1300 East and 9400 South to the Gravel Pit shopping center. Then via 9000 South, 300 West, 9400 South, State Street, South Town Ridge, Monroe/240 West, 10000 South and 300 West to the SLCC campus. Then via 300 West, 10000 South and 240 West/Centennial before making a loop around the South Towne Mall and then returning to the TRAX station via 200 West/Centennial and 10000 South.

Optimally you would want to run route B as a bidirectional loop meaning that buses would run both directions around the loop to maximize ridership potential. I designed the routes to service the maximum number of important spots as with routes that would see the fewest problems with traffic congestion.

The next question is the most important that who would pay for this? Right now it is not economically feasible for UTA to pay for this kind of service unless it is able to get a grant to provide the service on an extended basis.

Ideally the city of Sandy should be responsible for providing this service and could contract with either UTA or another agency to provide the service (so long as transfer agreements are made with UTA if fares are going to be charged-unless its something small like a quarter). After all the city of Sandy would see the benefits of this service from providing another way to get more shoppers into the area to providing an alterntative to driving for more people especially considering how congested areas such as 9000 South and 10600 South are.

If, and I do mean if, the city of Sandy would really want this kind of service to be a success, they could work with merchants and employers to market the service and encourage ridership. Sandy could do specific branding of the buses making it part of the marketing program which could even include businesses sponsoring a bus like local businesses in Portland sponsor the streetcars in that city.

Of course then Sandy could go really overboard and buy those buses meant to look like old time streetcars but truly are nothing but a bus with uncomfortable seats.

One of the difficult aspects of getting people on transit is getting them to major employment, entertainment, and shopping destinations in a auto centric environment. In the long term land use plans should focus on transit lines but until then we need creative ideas to get people to major destinations.

Using Redevelopment and Bus Improvements in a Corridor

Image by Steven Vance via Flickr
One of the problems we face here in Utah is the lack of regional planning. While we do have the Wasatch Front Regional Council and MAG, they concentrate primarily on highways and the cities still do their own planning. Of course the likely hood of having an effect regional planning organization in Utah is nil considering the political bent of many in the region.

However, I decided to do a what if scenerio. What if we could take a bus route, look at all aspects of that bus route including land use and direct land use and transit planning to improve the route and the neighborhoods it travels through.

Here is the criteria I used to decide which route to focus on:

1. Had to be a frequent service route to provide enough service to be attractive to choice riders.

2. To create better dynamics, the route had to connect with as many other frequent service routes as possible (which eliminated routes such as 35 MAX/35).

3. The route had to have either vacant land or an area in decline in order to optimize the redevelopment opportunities to create transit friendly development.

I decided to focus on the 209 for these reasons:

1. Yes it is a frequent service line

2. The route not only has a large number of connects in downtown but it also connects with many frequent service lines along its route including TRAX, 21, 33, 39 and 45.

3. The area between 2100 South and 4500 south has areas that are in decline and and have opportunities for redevelopment into more pedestrian, transit, and bike friendly neighborhoods.

So lets start off with the basics and look at the route itself.

The route travels from downtown to the Fashion Place West TRAX station via South Temple, 900 East and Winchester.

As I have mentioned many times before, it makes more since to improve bus routes such as the 209 than to do Badly Repackaged Transit which is not just like rail except cheaper which it is not.

Signal Prioritization would be a good step to improve performance but like planning with each jurisdiction having control over their traffic lights, it makes doing it difficult. While the MTA in Los Angeles has been successful with signal prioritization in the city of LA, there is many small cities that Metro Rapid lines pass through that have not implemented them slowing the routes done.

Next up would be to consolidate bus stops that are located too close together and design the remaining bus stops to take advantage of low floor buses by making the curbs equal to the stop on the buses. This along with doing away with the fare free zone allowing buses to board from the front door in both directions will allow the bus to make the trip faster.

A longer term goal would be to change the south end of the line. Instead of traveling on Winchester, the buses should continue south along 900 East. The current portion along Winchester should be replaced by an extension of route 62 from the Fashion Place West TRAX station to the Cottonwood Corporate center and on to the park n' ride lot on Wasatch. This would be a long range goal that is not going happen in the near term.

The 209 should be split into two routes the 208 and the 209 with the 208 traveling 900 East/700 East to 8000 South to State Street to 7720 South and over to the Midvale Center TRAX station. The 209 would turn southeast along South Union and Creek Road like the old 44 then continue on to 3500 South and Bengal Blvd. The only issue would be the snobby NIMBY's along the eastern side of Creek Road would probably oppose having a bus in their neighborhood. Of course these ideas are years away as we have to build ridership on the existing system to make them economically feasible.

The last bus related improvement along the route would be to add bus stop shelters at major stops along the route. However, they need to be designed to fit into the neighborhood and not be the standard ugly glass and metal shelters many transit systems use.

The next step would be redevelopment of several areas along the route that will increase density in important spots which will also increase ridership not only for the 209 but the other frequent service lines that cross the 209.

First up is the intersection of 400 South and 900 East where the University Line TRAX station is located. All four corners of this intersection could be redeveloped with community stores and housing above. The housing could be tailored to the older students at the U or to downtown workers.

Next up would be the Sugarhouse area. Right now the corners at 2100 South are dominated by auto designed stores especially the new Kroger store on the southeast corner (yes I know it says Smith's, but Smith's largely exists in name only it is a Kroger store). There is plenty of possibilities to create a pedestrian, and bike friendly corridor from 2100 South down to I-80 where the new recreational trail will go through. This should be part of the Sugarhouse plan that includes the streetcar connections once it is built.

The intersections of 3300 South, 3900 South and 4500 South are also ripe for redevelopment that should include transit, pedestrian and bike friendly uses that include apartments, homes, and neighborhood retail. The neighborhoods between the intersections would largely remain untouched and still have better bus service.

The biggest obstacle in this part of the corridor would be the Kroger store at 4500 South and 900 East since Kroger has shown to be very anti-pedestrian friendly. They want to the store this way or the highway and are willing to blackmail with the threat of leaving the area to get their way. To top it all off, the center is owned by the Boyer Group which has not shown any friendliness to transit friendly designs.

By making improvements to the bus route and redeveloping under performing real estate you will not only create a better bus line, you will improving the community and building a better base for ridership on UTA lines. You will also create more vibrant community that will be a discouragement to the gangs that seem to be taking over that section of the community.

Airport TRAX Line Construction Update

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Come Join us at the State Fair!

Our construction team for the Airport TRAX Line has partnered with UTA and local businesses to host a booth today through Sunday. We will be on hand to answer questions about construction and upcoming events. Look for us near the rodeo grounds – and don’t forget to take out your frustrations at the dunking booth.

Welcome!

Construction continues on UTA’s 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:

Crews are excavating the east side of 3700 West from 510 North to Gate 13. During this time, lane restrictions will be in place; however, access will be maintained. Driveway and sidewalk reconstruction is also taking place.
Crews continue work on the 24’’ sewer installation. This work is taking place within internal airport lots.
Crews are working the 18’’ storm drain near Terminal 1/Welcome Center.
Work continues on wet and dry utilities along 3700 West. Fiber vaults and street lighting are being installed. Various traffic restrictions are in place for internal airport traffic; however, access is being maintained.
Work continues on cast in place walls (CIP) and excavation of the guideway between the X Bar Bridge and 3700 West.
Beginning Sept. 13 pedestrian traffic will be switched to the east side of 3700 West.


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:

· Crews are working on duct bank utility runs from X Bar to 2400 West.

Crews are working on the pedestrian path near Surplus North.
Storm drain work is taking place in this area
Early next week crews will begin work on a 20’’ waterline.



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:

Crews are working at the North Temple intersections located at 2200 West and 2400 West.
Traffic signal cabinets are also being installed at these intersections.
Crews have removed a portion of the island between North Temple and Old North Temple, and restoration is in process. Lane restrictions are in place; however, access is maintained.



Reach 4

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



Current Construction:

Traffic signal work, including conduits, pedestals and junction boxes, is taking place at 1950 West and Redwood Road along North Temple.
Work is taking place on the joint trench crossing at three different locations. One crossing is located at Orange Street and North Temple. Various lane restrictions are in place; however, access to businesses is being maintained.
Work is taking place on the southeast corner of Redwood Road and North Temple as crews work on a storm drain. Traffic impacts are expected to be minimal during this phase of work.
Wet and dry utility work is taking place on North Temple between I-215 and Redwood Road.
Crews are removing and replacing curb, gutter, sidewalk and driveways on the south side of North Temple between Redwood Road and I-215.


Upcoming Construction: .

Crews are scheduled to begin sewer sag repairs at Orange Street and North Temple in mid-October. At this time, various lane restrictions will be in place; however, access to businesses will be maintained and signage will be provided. In preparation for this work, various activities are taking place near Orange Street. As we get closer to construction we will meet with businesses in this area.
Work on the Redwood Road intersection has been postponed due to Right of Way (ROW) issues. Preliminary activities will take place but major reconstruction will not occur until spring of 2011. We will meet with businesses prior to construction.
Crews continue to relocate hydrants and water services in the coming weeks. We will continue to meet with the businesses and coordinate any planned interruptions to services.


Traffic Impacts: There are right and left lane restrictions between the I-215 overpass and Redwood Road throughout the day. 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:

The Jordan River Bridge is reopened as the Utah State Fair begins this week.
Crews are relocating gas lines in this area.
Work continues on Garside Avenue as crews demo, grade, and pour the driveway near the KOA property.
There is occasional potholing for dry utilities taking place ahead of construction.
Upcoming Construction:

After the State Fair, additional crews will begin wet and dry utility work.


Traffic Impacts:

Traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction in some parts of this area.



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 businesses and the State Fairpark will be maintained.



Current Construction:

Crews are removing and replacing City Creek West between the Jordan River Bridge and 1000 West, although the road will be opened up during the State Fair Sept. 9-19.



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, 2010 and will continue for approximately 18 months.
Wet and dry utility relocations are taking place at 400 West to prepare for the City Creek East relocation.

Work is taking place at the Boyer (South Temple) parking lot. Clear and grub activities continue and crews are working on grade, placing sidewalk, and installing lighting conduits.

Crews have begun working on an 18’’ storm drain near 600 West and 100 South. Various lane restrictions are in place; however, access will be maintained at all times.
Crews have completed drilling 16 of the 16 shafts for the new North Temple Viaduct. Work continues on abutments, pier caps, and fascia walls.
Night work is scheduled for the following dates and times for City Creek East relocation and for pouring the abutment caps:
· Saturday, Sept. 18, beginning at 11:30 p.m. until Monday, Sept. 20, at 7 a.m.

Please see the viaduct construction guide below to find out how to get around during this portion of construction.







Utah State Fair Draws “Uncommonly Good” Crowds

All eyes are on North Temple this week. More
than 50,000 people are expected to visit the
Utah State Fair Sept. 9 to 19. That’s a lot of
people looking for a place to park.

The Fair has been attracting more and more
attention every year for more than 100 years.
Originally called the “Agriculture Park,”
Utah’s legislature bought the 65 acres of fair
property in 1902, with the “Gateway to the
Fairpark,” the entrance to the grounds, being built at 1000
West and North Temple.

After the legislature privatized the State Fair in 1995, it
gave the gubernatorial appointed board of directors a
mandate to make the Fair profitable so it would not need to
be subsidized by taxpayer funds. The board has worked
since then to establish year-round events to facilitate the
annual fair, which highlights all the best that Utah has to offer in agriculture, art,
and even demolition.

With the price of admission, fair attendees can watch the truck pull, participate in
the Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest, see the agricultural and livestock
competitions, along with concerts by Boys II Men, MercyMe, Mitchel Musso
(from the Disney Channel’s show Hannah Montana), and country legend Ray
Price. Some events, such as the demolition derby, cost a little bit more. In addition,

“Utah’s Own” Food Court features locally grown and prepared foods for sale. Visit
http://www.utah-state-fair.com/home/index.php for more information and
schedules.

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.

Front Runner Construction Update

Image via Wikipedia
Greetings,



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

Below is the FrontRunner South construction update for September 11 - 17. Please note that construction information is subject to change.



FrontRunner South construction began in 2008 and is more than 50 percent complete. The FrontRunner South line will be complete and operational by 2015. Please visit UTA’s FrontRunner South Webpage to learn more about the project. To view more FrontRunner South construction photos, please visit www.flickr.com/rideuta.



UTA would like to remind Utah County express bus riders that service from the 2100 N. Lehi park and ride lot has been discontinued. Express bus service is now available from the Lehi FrontRunner park and ride lot at 2821 W. Executive Parkway, as well as the American Fork FrontRunner park and ride lot at 782 W. 200 S. Because the Lehi park and ride lot will be opened in phases, more stalls are currently available at the American Fork park and ride lot. Street parking is available near the Lehi park and ride lot.



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



Construction Activity:

Crews will continue installing a waterline between 1700 South and Mill Creek and permanent fencing from Mill Creek to 3300 South. At the Central Avenue bridge, crews will install a sewer line casing and build forms and pour concrete for the bridge abutment footings. Crews will continue to embank the track way from Central Avenue to 4500 South, and at the 4500 South bridge, crews will build forms and pour concrete for the back wall and also work on a retaining wall for the bridge’s south abutment.



Traffic Impacts:

There will be truck traffic on Central Avenue.



The eastbound right lane will be closed on 4500 South Monday through Friday.



Salt Lake Central Station:

Station complete.



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



Construction Activity:

A house will be demolished near the 4500 South Frontage Road to make room for a future road realignment of 200 West. At the 5300 South bridge, crews will continue work on the shear keys, and between 5300 South and 5900 South, crews will continue installing concrete pipe and fencing and demolishing track. They will also remove trees and embank the track way. Between 5900 South and I-215, crews will continue waterline work, and at the 7200 South bridge, crews will place surcharge.



Traffic Impacts:

The 4500 South Frontage Road is currently closed at the tracks for bridge work through September 20.



There will be the following impacts on 5300 South this week:

· Eastbound right lane closure, Monday and Tuesday

· Westbound left lane closure, Wednesday and Thursday



There will be truck traffic with flaggers on 5900 South.



There will be the following impacts on westbound I-215 this week:

· Full road closure, Friday night, September 17, 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.

· Double left lane closure, Saturday night, September 18, 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.



Murray Station:

At the Murray Station crews will install conduits and backfill drains.



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:

North of 9000 South, crews continue excavation, shoring and lagging installation, and at the 9000 South bridge, crews will pour a leveling pad for and backfill at the north abutment. South of 9120 South, crews will be drilling soil nails and continuing wall construction, and at the flyover bridge crews will be installing permanent fencing. At 10000 South, crews will set a transformer vault and proof power conduits.



At the 10600 South bridge, crews will continue pier work and also install abutment shoring, and between South Jordan Gateway and 11400 South, crews will be excavating in the corridor. Work on a sheet pile shoring wall will begin this week south of 11400 South and at the Bangerter Highway bridge, crews will continue work on the shear keys. Track way embankment will continue between Bangerter Highway and 14600 South.



Traffic Impacts:

There will be truck traffic with flaggers on 9400 South.



There will be a lane drop for truck traffic on South Jordan Gateway at approximately 10400 South.



There will be the following impacts on 10600 South this week:

· Eastbound left lane closure, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

· Eastbound double left lane closure, Monday night, 10 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.

· Westbound left lane closure, Monday night, 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.

· Westbound left lane closure, Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.



The westbound right lane will be closed on Bangerter Highway on Thursday.



There will be truck traffic on 14600 South.



South Jordan Station:

Lightweight fill for the job is being stored at the station site. There are no construction activities to report.



Draper Future Station:

There are no construction activities to report.



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



Construction Activity:

Canal realignment work will begin south of 14600 South and crews will also continue waterline work near Camp Williams. Now that Union Pacific traffic has been shifted onto the new bridge constructed at the Jordan River, crews are retrofitting the old UP bridge for UTA’s use. This week they will continue forming and pouring wing and back walls.



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.



In an effort to increase safety for area schoolchildren, the project will be installing a stop sign at the entrance to the 2300 West bridge construction work site at the 2300 West/2150 North intersection in Cranberry Farms. Crews will also be refreshing the paint on the crosswalk located at the entrance to the work site. All trucks leaving the bridge construction site will come to a complete stop at this crosswalk before proceeding through the intersection.



Construction Activity:

Between Club House Drive and 2100 North, crews will be cleaning up slopes and ditches along the corridor and prepping the sub grade. At the 2300 West bridge, crews will grout and patch and at the 2100 North bridge, work continues on parapet walls. Retaining wall work also continues in Cranberry Farms near the 2300 West bridge. Work will resume on the retaining wall south of 900 North, and, crews will continue to support work for Union Pacific duct and fiber installation at 500 West, Main Street and 200 South in Lehi.



Crossing work will take place at 100 North near the Lehi Rodeo Grounds and will finish up this week at the 200 South crossing. Crews will continue permanent fencing installation between 300 South and 200 South and cross drain and catch basin work between 300 East in Lehi and Main Street in American Fork.



Traffic Impacts:

There will be truck traffic at the 2300 West 2150 North intersection in Cranberry Farms.



There will be lane drops at the 200 South crossing in Lehi for crossing upgrade work all week.



There will be truck traffic and a lane closure on 900 North in Lehi.



Lehi Station:

A portion of the Lehi Station Park and Ride Lot is now open for public use.



Work continues this week on the step walls and scaffolding on the Garden Drive side of the pedestrian tunnel. At the Park and Ride Lot, conduit and curb and gutter work and rock installation at the detention pond continues.



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



Construction Activity:

Crews will de-stress the track between 100 East and 1500 South in American Fork and hydroseed along the corridor between 5200 North in Vineyard and University Parkway in Orem. Fiber installation will take place in Orem between Geneva Road and 400 South and 800 South and University Parkway.



Traffic Impacts:

There will be truck traffic at 1600 North in Vineyard.



American Fork Station:

A portion of the American Fork Station Park and Ride Lot is now open for public use.



There are no construction activities to report.



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:

Between University Parkway in Orem and 2000 North in Provo crews will be hydroseeding and from University Parkway and 2800 West in Provo crews will be installing fiber. Crews will be installing signal cable in Provo at 2000 North, 2800 West, 1680 North and 820 North. Crews will surface, line and dress the track between 600 West and 900 South and will also set two signal houses in the same area.



Traffic Impacts:

There are currently no impacts to motorists in this area.



Provo Station:

Crews will be installing a stem wall cap at the Provo Station.

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.