Suburban Utah Is Thinking Light Rail, But Opponents Consider Costs

A suburban Salt Lake City mayor has expressed interest in adding light rail to a list of desires for his city's long-term planning process. High costs and a low estimated demand are cited by opponents.

1 minute read

January 23, 2007, 11:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Highland, Utah, Mayor Jay Franson suggested that the city discuss with Utah's Department of Transportation the possibility of preserving a right-of-way along S.R. 92 to facilitate a light rail or bus-rapid transit system in the future."

"'I think we ought to get that in the planning process that's going to be going forward on S.R. 92,' Franson said. 'It's just something we need to address sooner rather than later.'"

"UDOT already has plans to examine S.R. 92 in a road-widening environmental impact study that should be completed by early next year."

"While planning for future transit is an important focus for the organization, the cost of transit projects weighs heavily against the predicted need in each area."

" 'Light rail costs $35 million a mile," said Chad Eccles, MAG transportation planner. "You start asking yourself if the best use of that $35 million a mile is to run TRAX out to Highland.'"

FULL STORY: Highland is looking to future

Monday, January 22, 2007 in Deseret Morning News

Transportation Utah

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