Lee DavidsonTraffic and TRAX commuting is about to become even more complicated starting this Tuesday in downtown Salt Lake City.
The Utah Transit Authority is entering the second phase of construction to replace aging TRAX tracks and switches there. Besides closing the intersection at 400 South and Main Street as it has for the past 18 days, it now will also close Main Street between 100 South and 200 South.
TRAX riders on the Blue and Green lines will need to take buses or walk between the Courthouse and City Center stations. UTA estimates that will create delays of five to 10 minutes.
Red Line passengers must exit at the Courthouse station and walk to a nearby temporary station. UTA estimates that will create delays of 10 to 20 minutes.
While much of Main Street will now be closed to traffic, officials stress that businesses there will remain open.
Officials also urge motorists to remember that 400 South is closed at Main Street, which may complicate using the 400 South on- and off-ramps to Interstate 15. They urge motorists to consider using other interchanges.
This second phase should wrap up May 28.
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.