Relic of Ogden’s past transit system unearthed by BRT construction
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- Road crews working on Ogden’s bus rapid transit system recently uncovered a section of old trolley tracks along 25th Street.
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- This undated photo shows an Ogden Rapid Transit streetcar.
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- This undated photo shows an Ogden Rapid Transit station.
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- This undated photo shows Ogden Rapid Transit tracks on Washington Boulevard.
OGDEN — A bit of Ogden’s past was unearthed Monday when construction crews discovered 3.5 miles of track belonging to the historical Ogden Rapid Transit streetcar system on 25th Street. In May 2021, a small portion of track was found buried under a thick layer of asphalt on Washington Boulevard between 24th and 25th streets when water lines were being replaced.
The tracks date to the late 1800s, according to a Facebook post about the finding.
Upon their discovery, the Utah Transit Authority coordinated with the Federal Transit Authority and the Utah State Historic Preservation Office in providing archeological training to construction crews for removal of the tracks.
Archeologist Sheri Murray Ellis, owner and consultant of Certus Environmental Solutions LLC in Salt Lake City, examined the rails at the Utah State Historical Society. According to UTA Public Relations Specialist James Larson, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires an archeologist to examine historic finds as part of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The ORT tracks found on Washington have since been relocated to the Ogden Union Station Museum as an educational and cultural find. Larson said he believes the tracks found on 25th Street will also go to the museum once Ellis examines them.
Ogden City Arts Division Manager Christy McBride said there are no plans to repurpose the rails discovered on 25th Street into an art project, but it had been discussed as this portion of 25th Street is located in the Nine Rails Creative District.
Also along this portion of 25th, and the reason for much of the construction, are several stations being built as part of the UTA’s bus rapid transit project. Three of the 13 stations being constructed along the 5.3-mile route — from the Ogden FrontRunner station through downtown to Weber State University and McKay-Dee Hospital — are located on 25th Street.
In collaboration with the UTA, the Ogden City Arts Committee is working to complete a BRT art project showcasing murals at all locations, with WSU choosing artists for their campus locations. The site-specific artwork is intended to tell the story of Ogden while inspiring residents and visitors to interact with the community.
As Ogden’s transit system moves into the future, Larson acknowledged the significant role the ORT played in the economic growth and social history of Ogden.