SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Salt Lake County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to support the citizen-proposed Rio Grande Plan, which aims to restore the historic Rio Grande Depot as a train station and travel hub.
The plan proposes reengineering infrastructure by moving railroad tracks underground, which the council said would restore the Rio Grande Depot in downtown Salt Lake to its original purpose. The full plan can be viewed here.
“This cherished landmark was once a bustling hub of commerce and travel that greeted visitors with Utah’s open arms,” the council said in a press release.
The council acknowledged that, with the current infrastructure, passenger trains such as Amtrak and Frontrunner drop riders off at the Salt Lake Central Station — which it said “is removed and isolated from downtown and its amenities.”
The council met Tuesday with Via Rio Grande, which is a group of engineers who are “focused on the improving heavy rail service into and through downtown Salt Lake City,” according to the release.
Councilmembers spoke out in support of the plan, saying the plan could benefit Utah in the future.
“As we look forward to the Olympics returning, the revitalization of downtown, and rethinking the future of transportation, this proposal is timely and necessary,” Council Chair Laurie Stringham said.
Councilman Arlyn Bradshaw represents District 1 and downtown Salt Lake City. He said, “It is rare that citizen-led proposals come to the Council so well researched and detailed, particularly transportation projects which are usually government led.”
The council said Via Rio Grande was planning a public event on Thursday, Sept. 12, and RSVP forms can be found on the Rio Grande Plan’s website. Details are as follows:
- WHO: Members of the public and Via Rio Grande
- WHAT: “Reconnecting Communities: The Rio Grande Plan”
- WHEN: 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12
- WHERE: The Sorensen Unity Center, 1383 South 900 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
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