Reader comments
John Florez: Salt Lake should stick to 1999 master plan for light rail

The 400 West routing is the better one; moreover if Trax is ever expanded into South Davis County (Frontrunner doesn't help those of us at the south end) 400 West is the likely route for that also, reprising the original Bamberger route.

It sounds like the TRAX situation is similar to the Mountain View Corridor situation in Lehi - those planning the projects talk about getting input from the people affected, but then they go off and do whatever they want (meaning they pander to whoever wears the fanciest suit). Good luck in getting them to stick to the original plan.

"Keep the public's trust"? We the public have long since learned we have little to no say in things. We get more stuff crammed down our throats than an I ever thought possible. Politicians don't care about us. They have developed an attitude that we are dumb and don't know what's best for us. You know what? They are right, because we keep electing them over and over again. The safest job in the world is an incumbent.

While the 400 W line was the original idea, there needs to be an interchange with the FrontRunner. Since there already is a station for it at the new intermodal facility, it makes more sense to run up 600 W. Otherwise, a second interchange facility will need to be built at N. Temple. This all would not be a problem if the Gateway was not built surrounding the UP station - which could have been used for everything - TRAX, FrontRunner, Amtrak and so forth. But since the Gateway is there, the best route is 600 W.

You know, if you look beyond the whiny rhetoric, this is one line that HELPS the west side. Oh, and 600 West just happens to make the most sense. Just because some other alignment was studied first, doesn't make it the best alternative. If I remember right, they were rushing to try to get the whole thing built before the Oympics. How much has changed in the area since 1999?

It's interesting how the only mistake made is the one you disagree with!

I grew up on the west side. If you want to talk about developing the west side, lets talk about running a Trax line up Redwood Rd.

I live in the neighborhood adjacent to the Gateway, and when I purchased my house I expected the master plan showing the 400 west alignment to be followed. TRAX belongs in the business district as planned, and building another viaduct through a quaint and historic neighborhood will depress property values and impede pedestrian flow into the Gateway and downtown.
This is not a done deal and I expect the City Council will favor the 400 West alignment.

The 600 West route from the airport brings them over a viaduct via old buildings bars, railroad tracks, a future HOV exit from north. Then dumps people off at a bus station having to transfer to another line to then pass our homeless shelter and soup kitchen to get downtown to hotels visitor destinations etc. The 400 West brings them directly downtown over a viaduct with a view of mountains our city scape putting them downtown. An even better alternative is North Temple viaduct has a needs to be rebuild soon. Why not take the funds for the new viaduct rebuild North Temple with light rail running down the center, with a stop on the viaduct as originally proposed. having FrontRunner transfer station at this point, so commuters don't have to go to a bus stop on way to airport. If they chose to transfer to go to get on a bus or the little use Amtrax (huge on going tax dollars loses ) they can make a transfer. I thought citizens expressing their voice for their community and future of our State and children, was what our country was build on and still stands for. An easy common sense decision is the right one. If you read the full report for the proposed change the the data is not presented objectively or without a bias flavoring. Stats or like polls they can say what you want.

going down 400 west is the only way as I see it.The thought about going over No. Temple is a great idea we need a new viaduct anyway. People coming from the airport will see a nice view instead of your homeless people. maybe they will want to come back.
"stand with the people" let make westside better.

400 West - today - is more sensible. Who foresaw the pattern of growth in 1999? A viaduct will have to built in either scenario. 400 W. serves to serve the citifront folks while 600 W. pushes the tracks agaisnt the citifront. This seems like splitting hairs - 2 blocks wont make or break any neighborhood I live in - and I live on 600 west.

It's a no brainer that the 400 West is a better option for all parties. We need the north temple viaduct rebuilt anyways. There's no need for another Minnesota tragedy. To put up another viaduct is just ridiculous, right in front of houses and condos? Who thought of that? Boyer?

Residents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 400 West
As a residents of the Westside, and working to improving the West side, I know it's not an easy thing in getting the right person to lisen. 400 West is the right option for TRAX in the long run. Who know better then the residents that live here. Don't for get the West side is one of the entrances into the city. 600 West ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's not forget that we are talking about the quality of life for human beings! People live on 600 W. Why is this even a discussion? Apparently someone with more money has other ideas....

In response to crmeatball's comment, UDOT/UTA planners planned a FrontRunner/Trax station at the North Temple viaduct. Does it seem weird that there would be two FrontRunner stations so close together (North Temple viaduct and Intermodal Hub)? No, makes sense, actually. The Intermodal Hub will be the nexus for TRAX, FrontRunner, taxis, buses, a bike-rental facility, AmTrak and cars dropping off and picking up people. The North Temple viaduct station would keep commuter traffic away from the hub. Salt Lakers would drive there, parking behind the Salt Lake Hardware building (plenty of spaces already exist) and hop on FrontRunner. Commuters from elsewhere would get off there and onto a TRAX train. Thus, less traffic congesting the hub. Plus, the N.Temple viaduct FrontRunner/TRAX station would generate economic growth for the neighboring communities, and rebuild the deteriorating existing viaduct. It would promote access - by train, bike, foot - between downtown and the west side. Let's stick to the original plan.