May 19, 2025

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Salt Lake City’s West-East Connections (WEConnect) Study is kicking off a two-year process with an in-person open house from 5:30-7 p.m. on May 21 at Edison Elementary School (430 South Cheyenne Street), as well as an online survey. The study aims to identify solutions to address long-standing transportation barriers between the city’s west and east sides.

“No one knows what the west side needs better than westside residents,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “The solutions we’re looking for already exist—in the minds and experiences of those most affected by the divide. This open house will help us center their voices and let them guide the way toward a more connected city.”

Salt Lake City’s westside neighborhoods are separated from eastern parts of the city by Interstate 15 and railroad tracks. Parked trains increase travel times, cause delays and create safety concerns for people driving, walking and biking.

“This divide is hurting people. Every day, westside residents and Utahns from all over are delayed by parked trains—missing work, school and access to medical care,” said Salt Lake City Council Member Alejandro “Ale” Puy, who launched a public awareness campaign in 2023 to highlight the impacts of freight trains. “This study is a step in the right direction. We need bold, community-informed solutions; this study will help us find them.”

Interstate 15 also limits the areas and opportunities to connect to the city’s east side, including essential services, with crossings at just a few major streets.

“We want to learn more about the real impacts of the west-east divide from those who experience them most often,” said Salt Lake City Transportation Project Manager Joe Taylor. “With the community’s input, we can work together to create a list of solutions and decide which ones to focus and act on in the future.”

In 2023, the Salt Lake City Council funded an interim solution in the TRAINFO pilot program, which involves digital signs that display real-time railroad crossing information, helping travelers avoid delays. The first signs were installed in 2024 at the 900 West and South Temple rail crossing, and the pilot will be expanded to more crossings.

Anyone impacted by the divide is encouraged to attend the open house. Dinner will be provided for the first 250 attendees. The open house is the first of many opportunities for public input through 2026. An online survey is available through early June.

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The WEConnect study is funded through the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program which focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation through community-supported planning activities and capital construction projects that are championed by affected communities. 

More information about the WEConnect Study can be found here: https://bit.ly/westeastconnections