Salt Lake City begins study to bridge east and west parts of the city

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)—Salt Lake City is aiming to bridge the gap between the east and west sides of I-15, and city officials are asking for residents’ input to make it happen.

Starting on May 21, the city will start a two-year West-East Connections (WEConnect) study. Officials said the study will aim to address and find solutions for “long-standing transportation barriers” — such as I-15 and several railroad tracks — that split the city down the middle.

Parked trains on the tracks can increase travel times, cause delays, and be a hazard for people driving, walking, and biking to the other side of the city.

“This divide is hurting people. Every day, westside residents and Utahns from all over are delayed by parked trains – missing work, school, and access to medical care,” said Salt Lake City Council Member Alejandro “Ale” Puy. “This study is a step in the right direction. We need bold, community-informed solutions; this study will help us find them.”

The study will begin with a public in-person open house that runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, at Edison Elementary School, located at 430 South Cheyenne Street. The City encourages anyone who is impacted by the divide to attend the open house.

For those who are unable to attend the open house, Salt Lake City has also made an online survey available through early June for residents to leave their ideas and solutions.

“No one knows what the west side needs better than westside residents,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “The solutions we’re looking for already exist—in the minds and experiences of those most affected by the divide. This open house will help us center their voices and let them guide the way toward a more connected city.”

Salt Lake City has already started work toward bridging the gap between the east and west sides. In 2023, the Salt Lake City council funded a pilot program that placed digital signs at railroad crossings. The signs displayed real-time information about the railways and trains, helping commuters avoid any delays.

The first signs were installed in 2024 at 900 West and South Temple, with more planned in the future. The Salt Lake City council said this was only an interim solution to the divide.