Airport TRAX will have concrete tracks

The Salt Lake City Council cemented its decision on an airport light-rail line Tuesday, voting to pour nearly all of the $10 million budgeted for the project into embedded concrete tracks.

For weeks, the council had wrestled with the possibility of using a cheaper, gravel substitute on the TRAX line, leaving millions in the budget for other North Temple improvements. Ultimately, it was an option that both the council and west-siders found unacceptable.

"We're excited they want to do it the right way," said Fairpark-neighborhood resident Maria Garciaz.

The city still plans to turn North Temple into a "grand" entrance to the city. The council plans to use road funds to repair the Jordan River Bridge and seek out other revenue sources for burying power lines, adding solar panels to station platforms and installing 10-foot-wide paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

"We really want to shoot the moon here," Councilman Luke Garrott said. "We're committed to spending money beyond the $10 million we have, because we want to do it right."

The city considered embedding the tracks east of I-215. But the council voted to pay for embedded, stamped and colored concrete tracks from 600 West to 2200 West.

"I think we have to realize that is a critical part of the business community," said Councilman Eric Jergensen.

Garrott said he hoped businesses would buy into the city's plan and be open to the possibility of a special assessment area.

Unimpressed with the idea of concrete-embedded tracks, Councilman Soren Simonsen said he would continue to be a "squeaky wheel" on the matter. He would like to see the city explore other track options and improve zoning laws for the area.

"I'm in favor of a grand boulevard," he said. "I haven't seen an option that gets us to that."

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