Rep. Ben McAdams to propose more FrontRunner double-track rails

Feb 14, 2020, 12:03 PM

assault utah transit authority utah infrastructure requests include transportation needs...

Utah Transit Authority FrontRunner. File Photo: Sam Penrod, KSL TV

Former Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Rep. Ben McAdams announced he will be unveiling a bipartisan proposal to add more miles of double-tracking on the FrontRunner commuter rail. The proposed measure — the Transit Revitalization and Infrastructure Needs (TRAIN) Act — would increase service and allow for more train frequency.

The FrontRunner rail covers 90-miles across the Wasatch Front, serving the 2.3 million population. Currently, double tracking exists at many of these stations.

These double tracks allow for two tracks to lie side-by-side so trains can travel in both directions at once.

With more of these double tracks, studies show it would increase ridership, allow trains to run more frequently and reduce delays, according to a news release. McAdams argues this would reduce air pollution and de-congest freeway traffic.

The legislation would also expand grant funding to fund electrifying Utah transit systems. This would move transportation away from using diesel-powered engines.

McAdams and UTA Board Chair will present the proposal at a news conference Tuesday to request federal grant funding.

‘Like wildfires underwater’: Worst summer on record for Great Barrier Reef as coral die-off sweeps planet

Originally Published: 04 MAY 24 17:00 ET Great Barrier Reef, Australia (CNN) — As the early-morning sun rises over the Great Barrier Reef, its light pierces the turquoise waters of a shallow lagoon, bringing more than a dozen turtles to life. These waters that surround Lady Elliot Island, off the eastern coast of Australia, provide some […]

22 minutes ago