July 7, 2022

Salt Lake City has been awarded $15.6 million in recent weeks to put toward projects that will improve transit and active transportation in the city. Most of the projects are first and last mile improvements to make it safer and more convenient to walk and bike to and from bus stops and rail stations. The funding was awarded by the Utah Transportation Commission during their recent meetings.

“We are grateful to the Utah Transportation Commission for their willingness to fund transit and active transportation projects in the city and for their foresight,” said Jon Larsen, Salt Lake City’s Director of Transportation. “As our region continues its breathtaking pace of population and economic growth, cars alone cannot meet our transportation needs. In addition, investments in walk, bike, and transit infrastructure help to clear our air and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in our economy.” 

The State funding will become available over the next two to five years and will supplement investments being made using City funds on a variety of projects throughout the city. These projects include:

• Completing a missing section of the Parley’s Trail along Highland Drive and Sugarmont Drive by constructing a high-quality, two-way bike trail through the heart of Sugar House.
• Creating a protected, multi-use trail at the 400 S viaduct to improve east and west connectivity and connect to the Salt Lake Central Station.
• Enhancing active transportation along North Temple near the Frontrunner station through a paved, multi-use trail, improved pedestrian crossings, and adding street trees and shading elements.
• Creating a neighborhood byway in the Westpointe and Jordan Meadows neighborhoods that will run parallel to Redwood Road and connect to the TRAX green line.
• Installing new bike lanes on Main Street from North Temple to the Capitol.
• Making pedestrian and bike crossing improvements to the 2100 S & State Street intersection, near heavily used bus stops.
• Improving pedestrian and bike safety and comfort on West Temple in the Downtown area and enhancing connectivity to transit.
• Investing in a transit hub and signals along 200 South to optimize transit capacity along a critical transit corridor through the heart of the city.

These projects will impact residents, visitors, and those who work in Salt Lake City by making transit and active transportation safer, more convenient, and more comfortable, all of which help reduce traffic and improve air quality. The partnership between the City and the State on transportation infrastructure projects is critical to completing projects like these and enhances the lives of anyone who comes to the Capital City.

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