UTA works hard to maintain its system with the highest standards of efficiency and effectiveness. With more than 45 million boardings each year, there is definitely some wear and tear on the system. It is always our intention to keep our transit system in top shape by maintaining our tracks, platforms and vehicles in what we call a “state of good repair.”

Unfortunately, this sometimes impacts our service levels or can cause inconvenience to our riders. ”We take every service interruption very seriously and work mightily to minimize and mitigate any delays or detours,” said Steve Allnatt, UTA community outreach specialist.

Beginning this weekend, crews will be working on the TRAX rails that curve onto 700 South. The tracks at that location are 18 years-old, and all three TRAX lines have run through the area countless times. For this and three additional weekends in June and July (June 8-12, July 6-10, July 13-17), riders should expect major delays on TRAX between Courthouse and Ballpark stations due to rail replacement in the area. Construction details for this weekend are as follows:

Friday, May 26 (evening)

• Only Red Line trains will proceed through the construction area.
• Southbound Blue Line and Green Line riders will have to exit at Courthouse and catch a Red Line train to Ballpark, where riders can board a Green Line or Blue Line train.
• Northbound Blue and Green Line riders will need to catch a Red Line train at Ballpark and ride through to Courthouse, where there will be Blue Line and Green Line trains once again.

Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 29

• Red and Blue Line trains will proceed through the construction zone.
• Only Green Line riders will have to switch temporarily to Red Line and Blue Line trains at either Courthouse for southbound passengers or Ballpark for northbound riders.

There may also be some temporary impacts to motorists and pedestrians in the area with lane closures, temporary walkways, restricted parking and, in rare instances, flaggers directing people from parking lots to the street in order to retain access to all businesses and residences.

Much of the work is being done on weekends and nights when traffic is the lightest. “We’re working to complete the project as quickly as is safely possible,” Allnatt said. “And we thank everyone in advance for their cooperation and patience.”

Check back here, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest information about this construction project, including the latest scheduling information and potential impacts to TRAX lines.