University of Utah commuters can expect delays this summer due to TRAX repairs and nearby road construction.
May 24 to July 2 and July 6 to August 17, Utah Transit Authority is suspending service on the Red Line between the Courthouse and University Medical Center stations. During the closures, crews will rebuild and upgrade the track. UTA has added extra bus service on Routes 1, 2, and 4 to meet higher rider demand.
According to UTA, crews will replace 20-year-old rail infrastructure at the 450 South S-Curve. They will replace worn-out parts to improve the reliability and safety of the Trax system, including the interlocking system, overhead wires, guard rails and track connections.
“The critical updates will increase overall on-time performance, improve ride quality and safety, and extend the life of existing equipment like power lines and rail cars,” UTA said in an April 2025 service update.
Red Line riders along this route will need to transfer to bus routes one, two and four at Gallivan Plaza. However, riders should plan for additional travel time, as shuttles are subject to traffic delays. UTA expects to resume full Red Line operations on August 18, just before the fall semester. Drivers should expect lane shifts and closures near work zones.
Big-picture upgrades on the horizon
The Red Line work is part of UTA’s plan to improve the light rail system. Known as TRAX Forward, the project aims to expand service and improve speed, reliability and safety. UTA also plans to expand service to underserved areas and growing suburbs.
Plans include purchasing 20 new low-floor light rail vehicles and removing high blocks at TRAX stations. Such improvements will meet ADA standards per the Federal Transit Administration.
UTA is making major infrastructure investments to improve light rail safety and speed. Upgrades include rehabilitating and replacing traction power systems, upgrading the Union interlocking, improving TRAX frequency, and enhancing transit signal priority. These improvements will help trains operate more safely and at higher speeds.
Finally, replacement of obsolete signaling and safety equipment, such as camera systems, train control systems, rail switches and trackwork controls, will increase the capacity, safety, and reliability of the Trax system.
Sidewalks and street parking changes on 100 South
Salt Lake City is rebuilding 100 South, along the campus’s southern edge. The westbound lanes between North Campus Drive and University Street are closed to vehicles during construction. Eastbound lanes remain open but may be reduced to a single lane at times. Patients leaving the medical campus will be detoured to Mario Capecchi Drive. Access to the University will still be available, but they are encouraged to avoid 100 South during construction.
The 100 South reconstruction project began in May and aims to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said these improvements are necessary for the safe and reliable access to the University Hospital, Primary Children’s Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute.
“Improving 100 South will help save lives, support families in crisis, and ensure every resident, healthcare worker and visitor can reach these critical facilities safely and easily,” Mendenhall said.
Plans include a new multi-use path, painted bike markings, sidewalk improvements and parking changes. Crews will add a new sidewalk on the north side of 100 South, east of Wolcott Street and install pedestrian-activated crossing signals at multiple crosswalks. Additionally, the street parking between University and Wolcott streets will be removed.
According to the city, construction will continue through the summer with an anticipated completion before the fall semester begins on August 17.
What to expect
Students, staff and faculty commuting to the U should prepare for TRAX shuttle delays along the Red Line corridor, detours to bus lines for riders between the Courthouse and University Medical Center stations, increased vehicle traffic on roads near campus as a result of lane closures, and no westbound access/reduced eastbound access on 100 South between North Campus Drive and University Street.
For updated information, visit UTA’s Service Alerts Page or Salt Lake City’s transportation updates page.
