Transit board backs 400 West TRAX line

The Salt Lake City Transportation Advisory Board has endorsed a plan to run the airport TRAX line down 400 West instead of 600 West in Salt Lake City.

The endorsement follows a recommendation by Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, who said last week that he believes the 400 West alignment is a better option than 600 West for the TRAX route. Residents also favor 400 West, saying the other alignment would destroy views, increase traffic and possibly encourage crime.

The Utah Transit Authority is in favor of a 600 West route, because the agency says it would better connect TRAX to the Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub, a station where commuter rail and buses are planned to converge. But the TRAX line would be near a residential area.

"By far, we have heard that more people in the public want 400 West versus 600 West," said Tim Harpst, Salt Lake City Transportation Director.

The advisory board's recommendation will now be sent to the city planning commission for review. Meetings and public hearings are being planned, but have yet to be scheduled, according to Harpst.

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