January 2025 Update
The project team is excited to share its 100% designs (please see below). Thanks for joining us at our February and October open houses last year, as well as providing your thoughts via the open survey below. We have been hearing general excitement for the project, especially for its art and multimodal connectivity, along with some design feedback. Your input has helped shape the project into its current design and will continue to be taken into consideration as we refine details and move into construction later this spring. Please fill out the survey below with any additional comments.
Overview
UDOT and SLC are partnering to create a multi-use trail on the south side of 400 South from 900 West to 200 West, including the viaduct bridge over the railroad tracks. The corridor is an important east/west connector, and the project aims to maintain current vehicular capacity while establishing a safe dedicated corridor for people walking, biking, and rolling. The trail will feature art to enhance the character of the surrounding area and make travelling along the trail an enjoyable experience.
Construction includes changes to sidewalks and pedestrian ramps; striping removal and replacement; the installation of a new, physical barricade between motor vehicle traffic and the multi-use trail; and minor relocation of medians. The multi-use trail will tie into existing sidewalks east and west of the viaduct bridge and when finished, it will connect with existing bike lanes on 900 West, upcoming protected bike lanes on 300 West, the parking-protected bike lanes on 200 West, and public amenities such as Pioneer Park.
Equity and the East/West Divide
Railroad tracks and I-15 actively divide Salt Lake City – physically, racially, economically, and socially – by an East/West axis. This divide is particularly daunting for people traveling by foot or using other forms of active transportation. This particular section of the divide aims to connect the City’s downtown core with the Westside neighborhoods, which are considered among the most racially and ethnically diverse places in all of Utah. Creating a safe and enjoyable multimodal connection across this divide is important to improve transportation equity in the area.
Public Art
While the new trail will make the corridor easier to travel by foot or bike, art will make the journey enjoyable and enticing. The art will establish a bold visual identity that links and reflects Salt Lake City’s East and West sides while welcoming and enhancing the safety of trail users.
Conversations at the February open house at Neighborhood House inspired the artists to focus on the diversity and local nature (including the peafowl!) for the art design. The art will be integrated into the viaduct fencing structure and will emulate the nearby Jordan River with wave-like undulations. Reflective tape and translucent panels will provide a colorful experience, offering trail users a journey through several local color palettes (think, the blues and purples of the Great Salt Lake; the greens, oranges, and whites of the mountains; etc.), culminating in a “full peacock” on the Poplar Grove side of the viaduct as an entrance to the neighborhood.
See the Previous Public Events section for the open house boards with more information on the art.
Project Design
This a draft concept design and could change as work progresses. Please contact the project team with questions.
We Want to Hear from YOU!
We are currently refining details of the 100% design and are not able to make major changes at this point, but we’d like to know if there are details we can add or modify to make the infrastructure work best for you.
Public Engagement to Date
Salt Lake City Transportation and Arts Council hosted an open house at Neighborhood House (1050 W 500 S) on February 28th where the community provided input via project boards and in conversation with project staff. A local focus group provided insight into Poplar Grove’s unique character to inspire the artists’ design. The project team presented to the Poplar Grove Community Council that evening. Residents showed general enthusiasm for new walking and biking infrastructure connecting to downtown, especially without being stopped by trains. The focus group, other open house attendees, and survey respondents expressed deep love for their community, particularly its diversity, access to nature, and local peafowl 🙂
Throughout the Summer and Fall, the project team met one-on-one with property owners along the project corridor who might experience changes in on-street parking. These conversations, along with coordination with utilities and other overlapping entities, helped shape the refined design.
On October 23rd the project team held an open house at the Hampton Inn (425 S 300 W) to share updated designs based on all feedback received. The project team presented to the Poplar Grove Community Council that evening. We heard overall excitement for the project, especially for its art and multimodal connectivity, along with some design feedback.
Contact Us
Project Manager | Mary Sizemore
Email | mary.sizemore@slc.gov
Phone | 801-535-7171