Lee DavidsonCommuting by TRAX and driving in downtown Salt Lake City will both become more complicated Saturday as the Utah Transit Authority begins the first phase of construction to replace some key track and switches.
Crews will start work to replace a track at 400 South and Main Street at 5 a.m. on Saturday, which will close that intersection for a scheduled 18 days.
TRAX riders on the Blue and Green lines will need to walk or take buses between the Courthouse and Gallivan stations, which UTA says will create 5-10 minute delays. Riders on the Red Line will also need to walk or take a shuttle to a special temporary station, which UTA says will create 10-20 minute delays.
Because 400 South is a main approach to Interstate 15, UTA is urging drivers to use other exits and entrances to the freeway.
UTA stresses that all downtown businesses will remain open during construction. It is part of an $8.4 million project to replace worn-out 18-year-old tracks in high-traffic sections.
More information about the project is available online at www.ride.uta/construction.
Lee has worked at The Tribune since 2011. He previously was a reporter for 28 years at the Deseret News, including 18 years as its Washington, D.C., correspondent. He covers politics, transportation and demographics.