University Line (TRAX)

In April 2001, a three-week closure of the Sandy/Salt Lake line's northern portion, between Gallivan Plaza and Arena stations, in Downtown occurred when the switch at 400 South Main Street was built to accommodate the University Line's western turn into Downtown.^[2] The first 2.3-mile (3.7 km) segment of the University Line opened on Saturday December 15, 2001, with service from the Delta Center to Rice-Eccles Stadium at a cost of $148.5 million, ahead of schedule and in time for the 2002 Winter Olympics, despite concerns that it would not be open in time.^[1] The entire UTA network (TRAX and buses) was free to all riders on opening day.^[1] The $89.4 million extension from Rice-Eccles Stadium to the University Medical Center opened in September 2003, a full 15 months ahead of schedule, adding 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of track and three new stations: University South Campus, Fort Douglas, and University Medical Center.^[3]

The TRAX University Line was designated as UTA route 702.

Originally starting at the Delta Center at South Temple Street and 300 West, the end of the line was extended several blocks to Salt Lake Central (Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub) in 2008, where it connects with the FrontRunner. The extension started at 250 South 600 West and proceeded north a half block to 200 South, stopping at Old GreekTown. The line then proceeded to 500 West and turned north and then east, stopping at the Arena (next to the Delta Center). From the extension the route followed South Temple Street, turning south to Main Street. The line diverted at 400 South, heading east and ending its sharing of track with the Sandy/Salt Lake Line. Traveling on 400 South, trains would stop at Library, Trolley, and 900 East & 400 South before entering the University of Utah campus. Trains turned north at University Street, and then east at South Campus Drive and stopping at Stadium. The route continued on South Campus Drive to Wasatch Drive before stopping at University South Campus. Finally, it turned north at Wasatch Drive and followed that street to Fort Douglas and eventually terminating at University Medical Center, just south east of the Medical Center campus.

As of 2023^[update], TRAX service continues at all stations formerly served by the University Line. The University Line's western segment from Salt Lake Central to Gallivan Plaza is served by the Blue Line, which continues south to Draper Town Center. The eastern segment from Library to University Medical Center is served by the Red Line, which continues south to Daybreak Parkway. The two lines connect at Courthouse station.^[4]

An expansion of the TRAX system, proposed in 2024, would reintroduce direct east-west service from the University of Utah to Salt Lake Central Station. The TRAX Orange Line is proposed to run from the University of Utah to Salt Lake City International Airport, via Salt Lake Central. New tracks would be constructed along University Boulevard from Main Street to Salt Lake Central, connecting with the existing line to the airport.^[5]