Expect ‘bus bridges’ as UTA begins maintenance repairs for TRAX rails this summer

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) will be implementing temporary “bus bridges” between TRAX stations throughout the summer, beginning May 3.

The bus bridges will be in place while UTA crews complete “essential” maintenance projects on all of its light rail lines between May and October. The public transit company said these updates will increase overall performance, improve ride quality and safety, and extend the life of existing equipment.

However, while UTA is completing this maintenance, passengers can expect to see some service delays while drivers may see traffic impacts in work areas.

A full breakdown of when and where bus bridges and maintenance will begin can be found below:

• MAY 3 – MAY 9: 500 South
  • Maintenance on the TRAX Red, Blue, and Green lines at the 500 South rail crossing.
  • The Red Line bus bridge will be available between Ballpark and Library stations.
  • A Blue and Green Line bus bridge will be available between Ballpark and Gallivan Plaza stations.
  • The Green Line will not operate between Central Pointe and Ballpark
    • Riders will either need to transfer lines or utilize bus bridges.
  • Riders should expect delays up to 45 minutes.
• MAY 24 – AUG. 17: 450 South ‘S-Curve‘
  • Maintenance will begin on the TRAX Red Line near the Rice-Eccles Stadium station, including the S-Curve to the University of Utah.
  • The Red Line will not operate between the Courthouse and the University Medical Center during the maintenance time.
    • Riders will need to transfer to bus routes 1, 2, and 4 at Gallivan Plaza.
  • The Red Line will temporarily resume from July 3 to July 5 for events on the U of U campus.
• AUG. 22 – AUG. 24: 5900 South
  • TRAX Blue and Red lines will stop at Murray North Station and Fashion Place West Station.
  • A bus bridge will be in place between the two stations.
• SEPT. 10 – SEPT. 18: 9000 South
  • TRAX Blue Line will stop at Midvale Center Station and Sandy Civic Center.
  • A bus bridge will be put in place between the two stations.
• OCT. 6 – OCT. 11: Fireclay/Central Avenue
  • TRAX Blue and Red Lines will stop at Meadowbrook Station and Murray Central Station.
  • A bus bridge will be put in place between the two stations.

Riders are encouraged to visit the Utah website at rideuta.com/disruptions for more detailed information on each project. Passengers will also find specific route changes and detour maps in the work areas.

UTA said its construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other delays.