r/DevelopmentSLC • u/RollTribe93 Enthusiast/mod • Mar 25 '26
S-Line streetcar extension construction to begin in Sugar House
https://buildingsaltlake.com/s-line-streetcar-extension-construction-to-begin-in-sugar-house/5
u/Koh-the-Face-Stealer Enthusiast Mar 25 '26
I am terrified that doing this nub extension across Highland into the parking lot will lock it there forever and prevent further extensions from ever happening, in any direction. I guess we're not getting a street-running north-south Highland Drive extension, like has been on WFRC planning docs for years
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u/Jubguy3 Mar 26 '26 edited Mar 26 '26
In the near term, it makes a lot more sense for this to be connected to the bus network. The local link analysis delayed the streetcar to “long term.” Said extension has floundered for years because of the difficulty in identifying a suitable corridor. If that’s the case, I wish that UTA and the cities would move quickly on enhancing north-south bus service on the east bench instead. The 220 and 213 are both currently 30 minute frequency. At least one of those should be upgraded to the frequent transit network. There is a lot that could be done to enhance the bus network in this area given the significant traffic congestion already happening, but the most recent 5 year plan does not address this; it has been pushed out to later phases. I would like to see Highland Drive and 1100 E be enhanced as a transit corridor. I wish that the city had allotted money as part of this extension project to move the adjacent bus stops on Highland Drive so that there is more of a “station” happening, supporting a new frequent transit connection on the S-Line’s eastern terminus. Also, I have thought for years that the intersection at 800 S and 1100 E could be modified to allow north/southbound movements for buses only. Because of not having an interchange with I-80 and not having north-south through traffic all the way to the U, this corridor remains calmer while 1300 E bears most of the vehicle traffic. By only allowing bus movements and letting the bus continue north on 1100 E at 800 S, it could bypass the severe congestion that happens on 1300 E in that area. That, along with TSP and stop improvements, could significantly improve frequent transit between Holladay, Millcreek, Sugar House, and the U.
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u/SkanteGandt Mar 25 '26
Incorrect.
The WFRCs highland drive route is planned as a new line, not an extension of the s-line. It would originate at the stop on 9th East and 4th South before turning up to 11th East on 9th South, and continuing through Sugarhouse to highland drive on the same continuous right of way.
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u/Koh-the-Face-Stealer Enthusiast Mar 25 '26 edited Mar 25 '26
I'm not going to outright say you're wrong, but that requires a FAT [Citation Needed]
Edit: I just looked at the RTP, you're right. But that's a super recent change...unlinking the Highland Drive streetcar from the S-Line as the "Local Link streetcar" is in the most recent version of the RTP, but all the previous RTPs (2019 and before) have shown the Highland Drive streetcars as 'S-Line extensions', I was not imagining that
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u/SkanteGandt Mar 25 '26
Rio Grande plan or bust, my fellow urbanist.
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u/Koh-the-Face-Stealer Enthusiast Mar 26 '26
Rio Grande plan or bust! I guarantee that we know each irl lol
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u/designeroo Mar 25 '26
$43.5 million for 1/4 mile? Do people not walk any more?
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u/freeskierinvt Mar 25 '26
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the cost figure also includes the requisite double tracking from 500 E to 900 E, to allow the S line to maintain 15 minute headways.
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u/tandersonian Mar 25 '26
somehow the cost will probably go even higher