The Rio Grande Plan, a citizen-generated concept, proposes to realign heavy freight rail (Union Pacific), regional commuter rail (FrontRunner), and Amtrak rail under a concrete “train box” on 500 West. The Plan states that implementing this concept would:

1. Close four at-grade rail crossings, 
2. Restore and return rail service to The Rio Grande Depot, making it the transit hub of the City and region, 
3. Improve east-west connections in Salt Lake City, and
4. Open 76 acres of industrial land for re-development.

This new depot would serve Union Pacific, UTA FrontRunner, Amtrak, and regional rail services, such as TRAX light rail.

Rio Grande Concept Plan Screening Analysis

The City’s Transportation Division conducted the Rio Grande Concept Plan Screening Analysis to determine the potential size of the “train box” and its impacts on intersections, the existing floodplain, underground utilities, and other physical factors. The analysis does not make a recommendation but identifies key issues and provides decision-makers with information about the costs and benefits to help inform their decision about whether the concept merits further detailed study.