Document Type

Other

Publication Date

1999

Abstract

Based upon coordination with public and government agencies, combined with evaluation of technical considerations, the Wasatch Front Regional Council has identified a Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems as the preferred alternative to serve the Airport to University Transportation Corridor of Salt Lake City, Utah. The 10.9 mile west-east corridor will be constructed from the Salt Lake City International Airport, through the Central Business District (CBD) to the University of Utah Health Sciences Center. It will interface with the existing north-south LRT line at 400 South and Main Street, and at South Temple and 400 West. The West-East LRT project will fulfill the following objectives: improve transit reliability between major destinations within the corridor; reduce traffic congestion; improve air quality; interface with the existing and planned regional transit system; assure minimal impacts on the natural and manmade environment; support development of a multi-modal transportation system that is convenient, accessible, and flexible enough to increase capacity; and connect with service extended to new areas in the future.

This document describes the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the West-East LRT, and a No-Build alternative. The purpose of analyzing a No-Build alternative is to provide a baseline for comparison of alternatives, as well as to determine the effect of taking no action. The No-Build alternative includes all existing transportation improvements as well as all planned and committed transportation projects listed in the State Transportation Improvement Plan. The environmental, transportation and financial impacts of the two alternatives are evaluated and compared against a wide range of considerations including: land use, visual and aesthetic impacts, historic and cultural impacts, parks and open spaces, socioeconomic and demographic, public safety and security, environmental justice, wetlands, ecosystems, water and air quality, floodplains, potential containment sources noise and vibration, minerals, utilities, mobility, cost effectiveness, and transportation systems.

Some impacts to the natural and manmade environment will occur. These impacts, along with mitigation measures to reduce anticipated impacts are detailed in this document.

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