Last week, UDOT sent out a press release announcing that the Federal Transit Administration had cleared the project to enter the engineering phase of its Capital Investment Grants program, moving the project closer to securing nearly $1.3 billion in federal funding.

“As one of the fastest growing areas in the country, meeting this milestone demonstrates how Utah leadership cares about its citizens by investing in transit that will serve the region for generations to come,” FTA Acting Deputy Administrator Matthew Cahill said in the release.

According to the release, the project will add 26.1 miles of double track in 11 locations, a new station, 10 trainsets and a new maintenance facility. Once complete, these improvements will support 15-minute service during peak periods and 30-minute service throughout the day.

“This milestone is a major step forward for Utah. We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Utah’s congressional delegation for their partnership and shared commitment to Utah’s future,” UDOT Commissioner Carlos Braceras said in the release. “Utah is growing quickly, and preparing for that growth requires a balanced transportation system that goes beyond highways.”

UTA Executive Director Jay Fox said that increasing the frequency of trips will be a huge boost for FrontRunner services.

“More frequent and reliable FrontRunner service will make transit a practical choice for people along the Wasatch Front,” he said in the release. “For our riders, this project means shorter waits, more frequent trains, and a more dependable trip. Working alongside UDOT, we’re delivering the kind of transit network Utah will need for decades to come.”

Last year, UDOT Director of Trails and Transit Josh Van Jura told the Standard-Examiner that this will take the total amount of double-tracking along the 82-mile FrontRunner route from 26% to 58%.

According to the release, construction is expected to start in 2027 and last through 2030, but these dates are subject to the completion of the federal grant process.

For more information, visit https://frontrunner2x.utah.gov/.