SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Transit Authority’s $8.5 million, monthlong project to replace old TRAX parts on downtown Salt Lake’s Main Street is now entering its second phase.

Major TRAX repairs on Main Street to slow light rail trips, vehicle traffic

Beginning May 4, both TRAX passengers and vehicle traffic will be diverted around an $8.5 million month-long project to replace aging portions of the light rail track downtown.

The first phase lasted 18 days as construction crews worked to replace east, south and north tracks on 400 South. Phase two is two days ahead of schedule and will last through May 28, according to UTA communications specialist James Larson.

Crews will replace four switches between 100 South and 200 South and will continue to complete the Half Grand Union at the intersection of 400 South and Main Street. This phase is expected to have more impact on the downtown area because of its scope, Larson said.

While TRAX riders only had to walk a short distance to circumvent construction detours during phase one, UTA will run buses during phase two to help commuters get to where they need to go.

Here’s what that will mean:

For TRAX riders NORTH of the construction:

Green Line: Commuters can ride TRAX from Airport to City Center before they will need to exit at City Center to walk or ride a bus shuttle to Courthouse and get back on the Green Line.

Blue Line: Commuters can ride TRAX from Salt Lake Central to City Center before they will need to exit at the City Center station to walk or ride a bus shuttle to the Courthouse station and get back on the Blue Line.

Red Line: Commuters can ride TRAX from University Medical Center all the way through Library before they will have to exit TRAX at a temporary State Street station to walk or ride a bus to Courthouse and get back on the Red Line.

For TRAX riders SOUTH of the construction:

Green Line: Commuters can ride TRAX from West Valley Central to Central Pointe before they will need to exit at Central Pointe and transfer to the Blue Line. They will then exit the Blue Line at Courthouse to walk or ride a bus shuttle to City Center to get back on the Green Line.

Blue Line: Commuters can ride TRAX from Draper Town Center to Courthouse before they will need to exit TRAX at the Courthouse station and walk or ride a bus shuttle to the City Center station to get back on the Blue Line.

Red Line: Commuters can ride TRAX from Daybreak Parkway to Courthouse before exiting at Courthouse and walking or shuttling to the temporary State Street station and getting back on the Red Line.

While the walk from station to station might not be too lengthy for riders on the Red Line, Larson recommends that Green and Blue Line passengers take the bus. Buses should pass by every five to eight minutes, Larson added.

For drivers:

Drivers coming from I-15 should use Beck Street, 600 North or 600 South.

Drivers going north should use West Temple or State Street.

Drivers going south will find all streets open except between 100 South and 200 South on Main Street.

Drivers going east should use 100 South, 200 South, 300 South or 600 South. 400 South will be closed.

Drivers going west should use 100 South, 200 South, 300 South or 500 South. 400 South will again be closed.

Phase three of the project will begin shortly after phase two and will hopefully last a few days and be completed before the Pride Festival at the beginning of June, Larson said.

The project is meant to enhance the safety of TRAX, he added, and riders should notice a smoother ride once it's completed.

Contributing: Felicia Martinez, KSL TV

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