New structure creates a safer commute for West High School students
Along with federal, Salt Lake City and West High School officials, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) will officially open the new 300 North commuter bridge on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 at 11 a.m.
The massive pedestrian bridge, located at 490 W. 300 N., in Salt Lake City (two blocks west of West High School on 300 North) spans a rail corridor that includes two UTA and three Union Pacific rail lines. This corridor is considered to be among the most dangerous crossings in the area.
Since it is a heavily trafficked, direct route for students on Salt Lake City’s westside commuting to West High School, this crossing has long been a top safety concern for Salt Lake City, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), and UTA. Freight trains stopped on the tracks for extended periods of time are an obstacle for students. On many occasions, students have been known to climb over the couplers connecting train cars which is illegal, extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
This project, which began construction in 2021, is part of the Utah Transit Authority’s First/Last Mile Program. Major funding was provided by the United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Program. The intent of the First/Last Mile Program is to make it safer and easier to walk and bike to transit stops and stations throughout the UTA regional service area. This crossing is not only used by students but is also a main east/west corridor for all pedestrians and cyclists accessing the downtown Salt Lake City area and other economic hubs.
The Federal Transit Administration’s Cindy Terwilliger will be among the speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony along with UTA Board Chair Carlton Christensen, UTA Executive Director Jay Fox, Salt Lake City Councilman Chris Wharton, and West High School Principal Dr. Jared Wright.
The 300 North Bridge project, built by Granite Construction, had a budget just over $6.6 million dollars. The USDOT provided a little more than $1.6 million dollars through a TIGER Grant. The Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) contributed almost $3 million dollars. Salt Lake City made just over a million dollars available for construction while UDOT and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) each gave a half million dollars.
