UTA, UDOT moving forward with $945 million light rail plan to connect Draper & Lehi
A UTA light rail train takes on passengers at a station in Salt Lake City. UTA and UDOT are moving forward with a 10-mile light rail extension that will connect Draper and Lehi via The Point. UTA photo.
The Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Transit Authority have unveiled plans for a $945 million light rail project to connect Draper and Lehi, addressing traffic congestion and supporting fast regional growth.
The 10-mile system would link southern Salt Lake County with northern Utah County and feature an anticipated station at The Point, a major mixed-use development under development at the former site of the Utah state prison in Draper.
A public comment period on the environmental study for the project closed on July 10. The study identified light rail as the locally preferred alternative over bus rapid transit (BRT) and multiple unit rail (XMU). The study included a review of long-term benefits and rider demand projections through 2050.
Although BRT costs half as much, light rail is expected to carry 4,370 riders daily by 2050, compared to 3,350 for BRT and 4,070 for XMU. Light rail also supports future growth and urban development more effectively than other transit modes, despite its higher price, according to the UDOT study.
The Utah Legislature allocated $75 million to launch Phase 1, which includes creating an Innovative Mobility Zone with shuttles, bike-share services and ride-hailing partnerships. Officials plan to seek federal support to complete the full rail system, depending on growth and land development near The Point.
UDOT said the project may affect the Porter Rockwell Trail, an out-and-back path between Pioneer Avenue in Sandy and Minuteman Drive at The Point, requiring further evaluation and local input during planning and design.
“This particular area of Utah is growing very quickly,” said Josh Van Jura, UDOT Trails and Transit director. “Between the 2010 and 2020 census, Utah was one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, with over 18 percent population growth, and that’s expected to continue.”
“Utah is thriving, and we’re partnering closely with UDOT on a range of future transportation solutions,” said Marcus Bennett, UTA project manager. “Completing the environmental assessment at Point of the Mountain allows the light rail project to access funding when it becomes available.”