UDOT’s FrontRunner 2X team outlines double‑tracking work, says Murray impacts will be limited

FrontRunner 2X staff briefed the Murray City Council on plans to increase commuter rail frequency by extending double-track sections through the Wasatch Front corridor, with limited construction impacts in Murray.

“Most of FrontRunner is a single track,” said Gray Thomas, the project’s public‑involvement lead. “Extending the double track in key areas lets us move from a train every 30 minutes to every 15 during peak hours and from 60 to 30 minutes off‑peak.” Thomas said the project includes 11 double‑track sections, a new Bluffdale station, ten new train sets and a maintenance facility north of the existing shop that will support the expanded service.

Project staff said UDOT will manage design and construction with UTA handling operations after construction is complete. Braden Anderson, deputy project manager, described the project delivery team and noted a progressive design‑build contract with a contractor joint venture and design partners engaged.

Why it matters: Presenters said FrontRunner 2X aims to increase capacity and reliability across the 83‑mile corridor and to shift more commuters from highway driving to rail, helping address I‑15 congestion. Thomas cited a ridership projection change that could make FrontRunner competitively faster than driving on I‑15 by 2050 in some corridors.

Key local details: In Murray, the work is concentrated roughly between 5300 South and 5900 South and near Winchester approaching the station; staff said most property impacts are commercial or industrial. Presenters said there are no required residential relocations in the Murray segment and that right‑of‑way needs will be minimal, though the team will need additional property from Union Pacific in some locations to fit the second track.

A new bridge is planned over 5200 South to accommodate the additional track. Staff said they are aiming to keep the three vehicular lanes open during peak periods where possible, but that short full closures will be required when placing girders; one indicated closure near 5900 South will last about 10 days to widen a crossing.

Environmental and schedule notes: Thomas said the project completed an environmental review and performed field surveys for aquatic, biological and cultural resources; he noted that the Murray segment showed “relatively unimpactful” environmental resources but that contaminated areas require materials‑management plans in coordination with DEQ. Design is expected to wrap up in summer or fall 2026; construction is slated to begin in 2027 if federal grant funding is approved and to complete by 2030.

Public outreach and next steps: Project staff said they are coordinating with Murray stakeholders — including the hospital and local high school — about potential temporary closures and traffic plans, and will maintain quiet zones where possible, with limited horn use only in active work zones for safety. Staff directed residents to frontrunner2x.utah.gov for project materials and FAQs and said they will continue city coordination as design nears finalization.

Council reaction and public questions focused on construction timing, traffic impacts during bridge work, and whether the city and school district would be consulted about closures and student access. Presenters said they have been reaching out to emergency services and school officials and will expand public information as construction approaches.