Consultants studying potential light-rail routes in south Salt Lake County now want to examine the corridor bordered by 300 East and I-15 as an alternative route through Draper.
It has long been assumed by planners and local residents that an extension of light-rail mass transit into Draper would follow existing tracks, which curve from 300 East to 1300 East before looping back to Point of the Mountain.That makes sense in part because the Utah Transit Authority already owns those tracks, which removes the issue of property acquisition and cuts construction costs.
But it might not make sense when future ridership, development and Draper's interests are considered.
Light rail generally attracts more passengers when it follows a high-density, well-developed corridor -- or cuts through an area with that potential. And some Draper officials and residents don't like the thought of apartments, condos, offices and businesses hugging the rails on the city's east side.
UTA General Manager John Inglish, a Draper resident, says the city would not have to allow high-density development along the existing rail corridor if that route ultimately is selected. But, he admits, there would be some pressure onthe city to allow it.
"They want to have a rail extension in their community where it makes sense and where they want to have it, not where we want to have it," Inglish said of Draper officials.
Therefore, the consulting firm of Wilbur Smith Associates and UTA have asked the Wasatch Front Regional Council for another $10,000 to $15,000 to study the so-called I-15/State Street/300 East corridor as a possible alternative.
That work could be completed in two months and included in the feasibility study for potential south valley corridors.
"We're willing to work with UTA on trying to place light rail where it's going to have the biggest benefit and effect for both UTA and our residents," said Draper Assistant City Manager Eric Keck.
He said city officials want to look at all other options rather than simply accept the proposed route.
Draper officials Wilbur Smith Associates has been working for the past year on two feasibility studies for the regional council. A summary of findings for the estimated $194 million, 5.9-mile West Valley City line was released last month. The south county study is due out in September at the latest.
Peter Martin, lead consultant on the south county study, said it is clear extensions into West Jordan, Draper and the South Towne Center would be viable by the year 2020, if not sooner. An eastern leg through Sandy along 9400 South was dismissed because of a steep grade at 1300 East.
"All of these (corridors) look like they offer promise for rail extensions," Martin said. "The West Jordan corridor in particular seems to have relatively good opportunities for transit-oriented development."
Due to a lack of federal and local funding, however, none of the south county lines are likely to be operational before 2005. And even 2010 may be a stretch, planners and UTA officials say. But now is the time to determine where those routes might go so the regional council, UTA and the communities can plan accordingly.
"If they're interested, they need to start protecting the right-of-way required for alignments or stations," Martin said. "These communities are all developing very quickly."
Here is a brief look at each of the three south county corridors:
West Jordan -- The five-mile line would cost roughly $144 million to build in an existing rail corridor.
"The alignment already exists out there," Martin said. "For the most part, environmental review would be less difficult and could be done fairly quickly. The alignment is nice and clean."
Six possible station locations have been identified, including Gardner Village, West Jordan City Hall, Jordan Valley Hospital and Salt Lake Community College.
Draper -- A 3.2-mile extension from 10000 to 12300 South would cost $89 million to build in the existing rail corridor. A seven-mile line from 10000 to 14600 South would cost an estimated $170 million.
Ridership, based on geography and demographics, is estimated at 3,300 one-way trips per day by 2020.
Six possible station locations include Hidden Valley Shopping Center, near Juan Diego High School, South Mountain and the planned South Point development.
South Towne Center -- A 1.4-mile extension from 10000 South to the South Towne Mall would cost about $60 million. The line could include a station near Sandy City Hall and another at the mall. The alternative Draper line could be extended from South Towne Center.