Mid-Jordan TRAX Update

This weekend UTA debuted the new light rail vehicles that will be used on the Mid-Jordan TRAX line. They are curerntly being tested on the newly completed portion of the line in Daybreak. They are expected to enter full service when the TRAX line is completed next year. The new vehicles provide easier access with "low floors for platform-level boarding and doorways with deployable boarding ramps" (Progressive Railroading).

At the event held last Friday, more than 200 people were able to test ride the new S70 light rail vehicles. UTA has order 77 of the new vehicles for the four new TRAX lines that are being built. These lines will provide transportation for the Airport, Draper, West Valley, and the Mid-Jordan area.

The Mid-Jordan TRAX line will run along the existing Bingham Branch Railroad corridor branching off of the existing Sandy/Salt Lake light rail line at the 6400 South (Fashion Place) TRAX station and extending west to 5600 West. From there, the line will turn south toward Daybreak in South Jordan.

Construction on the line began in May 2008 and is currently over 60% complete. Most of the construction has been focussed on the 2.1-mile Daybreak section of the line. The completed Daybreak section will serve as a test track for new light-rail vehicles.

Here is an update on the contruction progress: Nearly all of the track for the line has been laid. The future station platforms have already been constructed at all 10 stations, and several Park & Ride lots have been completed. TRAX bridges are in place at Winchester Street, 7200 South, 700 West, the Jordan River, 7800 South, the Utah/Salt Lake Canal and Bangerter Highway. All 16 noise barriers are also installed and nearly all grade crossings are complete. Future projects will include the installation of overhead catenary system poles and wires, and the installation and testing of railway signaling equipment.

Here is a little video that UTA developed to briefly discuss the progress and scope of the project.