Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1997

Abstract

Based upon coordination with public and government agencies, combined with evaluation of technical considerations, Wasatch Front Regional Council has identified a light rail transit (LRT system as the preferred alternative to serve the University-Downtown-Airport Transportation Corridor of Salt Lake City, Utah. The 10.9 mile East-West Corridor will be constructed from the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, through the Central Business District (CBD) to Salt Lake City International Airport. It will interface with the existing north-south LRT line at 400 South and Main Street, and at South Temple and 400 West. The East-West 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 East-West Corridor LRT, as well as the impacts of a TSM 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 three 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 contaminant sources noise and vibration, minerals, utilities, mobility, cost effectiveness, and transportation systems.

Because the East-West LRT line would be constructed and operated in a primarily urban corridor, anticipated negative impacts to the natural and manmade environment are expected to be minimal.

The information contained in this DEIS was used to select a Preferred Local Alternative (LPA) for the University-Downtown-Airport Corridor for further evaluation in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) evaluation.

Download

Share

COinS