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SALT LAKE CITY — It's not the Polar Express, but on a cold night, it could seem like it. We now know when the TRAX line can take us to the airport.
The line officially opens Sunday, April 14. The first test train rolls down the track from downtown to the airport on Tuesday, October 30.
Construction is winding down and expectations are ramping up for many Salt Lake City residents and commuters, including students who currently make their way on foot.
"Yeah, it'll be a big help, so we won't have to be walking everywhere," said student Nadia Morales, who said she planned on using the new TRAX line every day.
Travelers will soon be able to take a 20-minute trip from the airport to downtown Salt Lake City.
"Certainly, for traffic to and from the airport from downtown, it's got to be a positive," said Sandy resident Joe Harmer.
Of course, North Temple businesses will be ecstatic to see the orange cones finally removed from around their workplace.
"(I'm) excited! Very excited. Well we have weathered the storm," said Red Iguana owner Luci Cardenas. "I also live in the neighborhood. I miss some of my left turns that I used to do, but you know, we just can't wait for all of this construction stuff to be out of the way. We're really excited."
The airport TRAX line has something none of the others have: Solar panels on top of four of the stations, powering all of that station's electrical and lighting needs. Along with a bike path and fresh landscaping, the city sees the project as the spark to renew North Temple.
The test trains will start at slow speeds at first, but within a couple of weeks you'll see multiple trains running at full speed. So be on the lookout for trains; flaggers will be at signals, lights and crossings until everything is thoroughly tested.
