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Draper TRAX Line FAQs
When will TRAX be coming to Draper?
The new extension is expected to be completed in and in service no later than 2014 and it is possible it’ll be sometime in 2013.
Has the TRAX alignment already been determined?
Yes, a locally preferred alignment has been selected, and approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Several possible alignments have been evaluated by the project team: 1) west of I-15; 2) along State Street; and 3) the existing UTA-owned right-of-way. After extensive study, the project team and the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), Salt Lake County’s metropolitan planning organization, selected the UTA-owned right of way as the preferred alternative. It was studied in detail and an in-depth Environmental Impact Statement was prepared. The WFRC also identified a minimum operable segment (MOS) extending from 10000 South in Sandy to 124000 South in Draper as the first phase of the financially constrained plan. In preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement, an Alternatives Analysis report was released in May 2009.
When was the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) completed?
The revised final EIS was completed in Fall/Winter 2009.
Was the public contacted, consulted and offered opportunities to comment?
A public comment period and public open house took place in conjunction with the release of the draft EIS. During the public comment period, the public was invited to comment in writing via the Internet, mail or in person at the public open house. The issues raised were addressed in the FEIS.
What is the Draper Line Community Involvement Committee?
The Draper Community Involvement Committee (CIC) is a committee comprised of seven residents of Sandy or Draper who have a shared focus on the Draper Line and represent a broad range of perspectives regarding the project. The primary goals of the committee includes: 1) work with the project team to understand how the environmental study process ultimately defines the final transit project; 2) discuss proposed transit project alternatives objectively and the related impacts of those alternatives; 3) discuss the environmental analysis process and how impacts are addressed; and 4) bring community issues and concerns to the project team and share information back to the communities.
What will happen to the bike trail if TRAX follows the UTA right-of-way?
The trail will be preserved. The right-of-way is typically wide enough to accommodate a double-track light rail system and a pedestrian-bicycle trail, though the trail may need some realignment based on final track design. The trail currently exists because of a provisional lease agreement between UTA and Draper.
Can noise be successfully mitigated?
In areas where allowable noise thresholds are exceeded, special mitigation measures can be used to suppress and reduce noise levels to meet acceptable ranges as prescribed by the Federal Transit Administration. UTA conducted detailed noise analyses and determined any areas where noise exceeds acceptable standards to receive special treatment to reduce or eliminate the impact where feasible and reasonable. Earthen berms and sound barriers are two methods of sound mitigation currently being used.
How can I find out more about the project?
For more information on the Draper Transit Corridor Project, please visit our project publications page here. Those interested in learning more about the project may sign up for UTA’s mailing list to receive updates on project milestones, public meetings and presentations by clicking here.
