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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Transit Authority is advising riders to Salt Lake City International Airport and to the University of Utah to expect some light rail delays this month as a result of projects near the two locations.
UTA began a bus bridge in its green line TRAX route to and from Salt Lake City International Airport on Monday. Crews are currently working to complete a new station that will eventually take riders to the new main terminal of the airport.
While riders have been able to exit at a temporary stop near the airport and take a short bus ride to it, riders are now asked to exit at 1940 West Station and then take a longer bus trip to the airport. Buses will also take riders from the airport to 1940 West Station.
Transit officials say riders should expect 15- to 30-minute delays as a result of the bus bridge, which will continue through Oct. 21. The buses will run every 15 minutes between 5:32 a.m. and 11:06 p.m. on weekdays, every 30 minutes between 6:25 a.m. and 11:25 p.m. on Saturdays, and every 30 minutes between 6:25 a.m. and 8:05 p.m. on Sundays while the project is underway.
Meanwhile, UTA officials say red line riders trying to reach the University of Utah should also expect 15- to 30-minute delays beginning Saturday while crews replace tracks near Mario Capecchi Drive. From Saturday through Wednesday, riders heading toward the University of Utah will be told to exit at UTA's 900 East Station, where a bus will take riders to the Stadium, South Campus and University Medical Center stations.
UTA officials added the bus will not travel to the Fort Douglas Station during the bus bridge service, so those who would normally use that station are encouraged to use the South Campus Station instead. Regular service is expected to resume on Oct. 14.
According to the University of Utah's semester schedule, fall break is scheduled to begin next week, so the service delay won't impact travel for classes.
The project also has some road closures. Westbound traffic from Mario Capecchi Drive to 1850 East and the turns from northbound and southbound Mario Capecchi Drive to westbound South Campus Drive were closed Monday as a result of the project. Two lanes are still open from South Wasatch Drive to Gibbon Street on southbound Mario Capecchi Drive. All closures will remain in place through next Wednesday.
All lanes will be open on eastbound South Campus Drive throughout the duration of the project. The project could result in delays up to 30 to 60 minutes for motorists.
The project is similar to rail replacement that happened near Rice-Eccles Stadium in August. UTA officials said the project will add some noise for residents and businesses in the area.
"Residents and local businesses should expect noise throughout the day and night along with dust, vibration and nighttime lighting during work activities," they wrote in a news release. "Barriers will be used to reduce noise."
