Uniting Salt Lake City: What the Rio Grande Plan brings to the Westside
Salt Lake City stands at a crossroads. With the release of a new economic study from Utah State University (USU), momentum is growing behind the Rio Grande Plan — a bold proposal to reroute and bury heavy rail lines, restore the historic Rio Grande Depot as a transit hub, and unlock dozens of acres of developable land. For residents of Salt Lake's Westside, long separated by rail lines dating back to 1870, this plan represents not just a transit project, but a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stitch the city back together.
UTA, Salt Lake City improving public transportation with high-frequency “Go Routes”
Several bus lines across Salt Lake City – including two on the Westside – have been upgraded to have more frequent service. It’s part of a partnership between the city and UTA to launch Go Routes. Photo courtesy of UTA.
Construction begins on the 600/700 North Corridor after 5 years of planning
Construction to upgrade 600/700 North from 800 West to Redwood Road has begun. During the first phase, construction will focus on the south side of the road from 1200 West to Redwood Road. There will be four phases of construction over the next few years.
Transportation officials to hold open house ahead of 600/700 North reconstruction
Salt Lake City’s Westside residents will get a chance to see the latest plans for reconstructing 600 North and 700 North by attending an open house on Wednesday, April 16th.
Rose Park and Fairpark residents voice excitement about proposed improvements on 600/700 North
Reconstruction of 600/700 North in Salt Lake City is set to begin sometime this spring or summer. There have been various discussions over the past few years on how to improve safety in this Westside corridor, and now the city is just about ready to move forward.
Salt Lake City seeking community member input for West-East Connections Study
For those of us who live on the Westside, we’re incredibly familiar with the challenges we face when trying to head east – to Downtown, the University of Utah, hospitals and other health care, shopping on 300 W, and more. Between I-15 and the railroad tracks, it can often feel like we’re cut off from the rest of the city we call home.
Now, Salt Lake City is launching a new study to analyze the problem and come up with solutions to help bridge the West-East divide. These solutions will include various kinds of transportation methods, including automobiles, public transit, biking, walking, and more.
Westside residents receive e-bike vouchers from Salt Lake City
Of more than 2,000 applicants, 277 Salt Lake residents were awarded e-bike vouchers to help decrease driving and promote cleaner air.
Analysis shows UTA provides more benches and shelters on east side routes
Salt Lake's east side has better bus stop facilities than the Westside, according to a report from The Utah Investigative Journalism Project.
Salt Lake City launches incentive program for potential e-bike owners
Salt Lake City is launching a new voucher incentive program to help residents purchase a new e-bike. The city hopes this will help air quality to improve in the area.
Upgrades to 600/700 North set to start in 2025
Salt Lake City transportation engineers, along with experts from Avenue Consultants, are looking at traffic calming measures and improvements on 600/700 North between 800 West and Redwood Road.
Proposed cost of I-15 expansion more than doubles to $3.7 billion, Westside opposition remains strong
State continues to plan I-15 expansion despite doubling cost and continued opposition from the communities that will be affected.
I-15 expansion prompts concerns about pollution, business impacts, and traffic congestion
Westside community members and business owners have doubts about the impacts of the proposed I-15 expansion.
Plan to rebuild, expand I-15 moves forward despite opposition from Westside, others in region
While UDOT has made concessions to community feedback, like preserving Westside homes and businesses by building in, not out, local opposition to expanding I-15 persists.
Regional council behind I-15 project creates transportation plans “for the greater good”
A regional council comprising elected officials and representatives from government and community organizations is responsible for the plan to expand I-15.
Salt Lake City seeking community input for traffic calming on 600/700 North
The city is seeking input for a reconstruction project to make 600/700 North work better for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
Rose Park Elementary’s bike bus opens new lanes for student commuting
The Rose Park Elementary School bike bus is a volunteer initiative that helps kids ride to school, shown to improve learning outcomes.