FTA OKs engineering phase start on double-track project in Utah

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently gave the thumbs up to the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) to enter the engineering phase of the FrontRunner 2X double-track project. 

The FTA approval is associated with the Capital Investment Grants program and moves the project closer to securing nearly $1.3 billion in federal funding, Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) officials said in a press release. The FTA on Aug. 7 announced it's committing $1.28 billion to the project.

Developed through a partnership between UDOT and the UTA, FrontRunner 2X calls for expanding double track along the FrontRunner commuter-rail corridor, which runs 83 miles from Ogden to Provo and includes 15 stations in four counties. 

The project involves constructing 26.1 miles of double track in 11 locations, building a new station and maintenance facility, and acquiring 10 trainsets. Construction is anticipated to progress from 2027 through 2030, subject to completion of the federal grant process, UTA officials said. 

The project will enable trains to run more frequently and reliably as Utah’s population continues to grow, they said. The improvements will support 15-minute service during peak periods and 30-minute service throughout the day. 

“More frequent and reliable FrontRunner service will make transit a practical choice for people along the Wasatch Front,” said UTA Executive Director Jay Fox. “For our riders, this project means shorter waits, more frequent trains and a more dependable trip." 

UDOT and the UTA now will continue advancing the project’s design and address early procurement and other federal requirements as they work toward a full funding grant agreement with the FTA.