FrontRunner
Template:Future usa public transportation
| FrontRunner | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Locale | Pleasant View to Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Transit type | Commuter rail |
| Number of lines | 1 |
| Number of stations | 9 |
| Daily ridership | 5,830 to 9,037 (projected) [1] |
| Operation | |
| Began operation | April 26, 2008[2] |
| Technical | |
| System length | 44 mi (70.8 km) |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) (standard gauge) |
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FrontRunner is a commuter rail line currently under-construction by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) to serve the Wasatch Front area of Utah, USA. Its initial phase will run from Pleasant View in Weber County in the north, through Davis County, and into Salt Lake City in the south, a total length of 44 miles. Work started on this section of the line in 2005. It will include nine stations and open for ridership on April 26, 2008[2].
The second phase will extend the line from Salt Lake City to Provo and is expected to be completed by 2012. Funds were appropriated to accommodate this project in 2006 via a sales tax increase referendum, and the remaining funding was obtained through a letter of intent signed with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on September 24, 2007. The route uses rights-of-way from the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, the Union Pacific Railroad, and their predecessor railroads. Interstate 15 (which replaced U.S. Highway 91) parallels these routes.
Future extensions are envisioned that would eventually encompass over 80 miles of the Wasatch Front, providing service as far north as Brigham City and as far south as Payson. FrontRunner will be integrated with UTA's bus and TRAX light rail system. The construction of FrontRunner has spurred plans for extensive transit-oriented development around several of the stations, including Layton and Farmington.
Station locations
From north to south stations will be located at:
| City | Location | Station information |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant View | 2700 North & U.S. 89 | station information |
| Ogden | Union Station | station information |
| Roy | 2400 W. 4000 South | station information |
| Clearfield | 1200 S. State Street | station information |
| Layton | Gentile & Main Streets | station information |
| Farmington | I-15 & U.S. 89 | station information |
| Woods Cross | 500 S. 800 West | station information |
| Salt Lake City | North Temple Street | station information |
| Salt Lake City | Intermodal Hub | station information |
Equipment
Four MPXpress (MP36PH-3S) locomotives from Motive Power International of Boise, Idaho, thirty gallery cars purchased from Chicago's METRA, and twelve new bi-level Bombardier cab cars.[3]
Expansion of line
On Wednesday, August 8, 2007, UTA tested the FrontRunner on the completed track to test safety and to train the employees. With money from the Utah Department of Transportation and grants given from the United States Department of Transportation, UTA has purchased right of way along the whole distance of the route from Salt Lake City to Pleasant View. The right of way will add one more mainline to the already double-tracked route. Construction has been ongoing with laying track and road and grade separations on major roads. UTA hopes that with the new track they will be able to maintain headways of 20 minutes during peak hours and 40 minutes during off hours.
Intermodal Hub
A TRAX light rail extension to the Hub is currently underway. Amtrak currently operates out of a modular structure, but is expected to move into the new Intermodal Hub soon[4].
References
- ^ Farver, Shane (2007-03-01). "FrontRunner announces rates". Standard Examiner. Retrieved 2008-02-26.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b "UTA Announces FrontRunner Grand Opening Date!". 2008-03-26.
- ^ "Utah Transit Authority". Jane's World Railways. 2007-10-29. Retrieved 2008-02-26.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Salt Lake City (Station History)". Great American Station Foundation. Retrieved 2008-02-26.