This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

One day light rail will take families to the state fair and tourists from the Airport to their hotels.

The question is which route will they take? The Utah Transit Authority has submitted two plans for the Airport TRAX line - one taking the trains along 400 West to North Temple, another down 600 West.

Each route has its supporters and detractors in an increasingly emotional debate that stirs the east-west divide and pits developers against each other. At two previous public meetings, west side residents came out in force against the 600 West plan.

"It is rare in life to see such clarity in a public position," said Salt Lake Planning Commission Chairman Tim Chambless.

The Planning Commission expects to hold another open house on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the State Fair Park. The commission will then give the City Council its recommendation by the end of the month. Councilmembers will weigh in in November and then UTA will start the more detailed design phase. The Airport light rail extension is expected to open in 2015.

Light rail planners originally supported the 400 West design, but after a second look now think the 600 West route is the way to go.

Whichever route is chosen, it is bound to upset someone.

At two previous public meetings, west side residents came out in force against the 600 West plan.

"It is rare in life to see such clarity in a public position," said Planning Commission Chairman Tim Chambless.

"There is always impact regardless of where we build," said Chad Saley, UTA spokesman.

Here is a summary of the benefits and potential downsides with each route:

400 West

This route has the backing of both mayoral candidates, Ralph Becker and Dave Buhler, as well as the community council. But on the flip side, it would cost more than the 600 West plan and it could snarl traffic on 400 West.

The project would require the construction of a bridge next to the North Temple viaduct. UTA could connect light rail to commuter rail here for an added bonus, but that may cost more than $15 million.

This bridge would not change the landscape, but it may eliminate a turnoff on 400 West that funnels drivers to The Gateway. And Gateway managers are worried the route could throw complications into a new hotel they plan to build.

600 West

UTA prefers this route because it is about $3 million cheaper than the 400 West alternative. While it would still require the building of a bridge, that bridge would not be nearly as long as the one proposed along the North Temple viaduct.

But community activists condemn this plan because the 600 West bridge would go through a residential area over some rail road tracks onto North Temple.

This would block the view and could impact property values, said Victoria Orme, chairwoman of the Fairpark Community Council, not to mention make homes harder to access.

"I don't think TRAX should go through residential," she said.

Some residents have said the 600 West bridge would serve to further the divide between the east and west sides of the city.

A developer plans to build a condo project, which would face the proposed bridge.

Another option: Orme and others have proposed a third possibility, which would result in the complete reconstruction of the North Temple Viaduct with TRAX running down the middle. Such a plan would require state help and much more money.

Further development

* An open house is planned for Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the State Fair Park.

* The Planning Commission will give recommendations to the City Council by the end of the month.

* UTA will start a more detailed design phase in November.