FrontRunner 2X Project
More Tracks. More Trains. More Often.

Improving Commuter Rail

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) are partnering to add more capacity to the region's commuter rail system to support the transit demands of rapidly expanding communities along the Wasatch Front.

This project will implement double tracking in eight strategic locations and one track realignment along the FrontRunner line increasing train frequency and travel time reliability.

The Project Vision Proposed Double Track Locations

A double-track railway involves running one track in each direction, compared to a single-track railway where trains in both directions share the same track. This allows more trains to operate and pass each other and reduces delays due to waiting to share track. The project will add eight segments of double tracking and one track realignment segment to improve train travel. Once complete, the amount of double tracked rail along FrontRunner will increase from 26% to 49%.

lighbulb Click or tap on the segments below to learn more about proposed double track segment.

A map of the FrontRunner 2X route between Ogden and Provo Central highlights the planned 2X realignment, planned 2X double track, existing 2X double track, existing single track, and existing FrontRunner stations. More information on the individual realignment and planned double track segments are available by selecting the clickable segments on the map.
A map of the FrontRunner 2X route between Ogden and Provo Central highlights the planned 2X realignment, planned 2X double track, existing 2X double track, existing single track, and existing FrontRunner stations. More information on the individual realignment and planned double track segments are available by selecting the clickable segments on the map.

Project Benefits Enhancing the transit experience across the Wasatch Front

Hover over the items below to see more details.

Increased Frequency

A group of people standing at a FrontRunner station platform huddle beneath winter coats as FrontRunner trains buzz past in either direction.

With more track and more trains, train frequency can be increased, leading to better service reliability and shorter wait times for you — the passengers.

Service frequency will increase to every 15 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during non-peak hours.

Improved Reliability

The front of a FrontRunner train is painted in thick diagonal red, white, and blue stripes. Four large rectangle glass windows sit towards the top of the train and headlights beam dully.

Greater train frequency during peak and off-peak periods will increase on-time performance and create better connectivity to regional bus and light rail systems.

More Choice

About a dozen FrontRunner riders sit alongside the left side of the train car and diagonally parked bikes line the right side of the train car.

By 2050, travel times for FrontRunner are expected to outperform I-15 travel times, providing more transit options for travelers.

Laying the Foundation Project Timeline

2023 - 2024

Environmental Study

A required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis of the impacts of a proposed major federal action. FrontRunner 2X conducted a series of Categorical Exclusions for each segment of the project.

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Progressive Design Build Request for Proposal

Design-build is a method of project delivery in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity allowing the design process to overlap with the construction process, streamlining the delivery schedule. Request for Proposal is a process for determining the most suitable candidates to build the project. UTA and UDOT publish the requirements for the project and various contractors submit proposals for the agencies to consider.

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Progressive Design Build Selection

When a contractor is selected.

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Start of Preconstruction

Preconstruction includes numerous tasks that must be completed before construction starts, such as finalizing designs, subsurface exploration, right-of-way negotiations, clearing federal requirements and more.

2025 - 2026

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Design and Preconstruction

Before the project can begin, designs need to be finalized with project partners and approved by federal agencies. Preconstruction includes numerous tasks that must be completed before construction starts, such as finalizing designs, subsurface exploration, right-of-way negotiations, clearing federal requirements and more.

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Final Design

Rail engineering involves calculating safe travel speeds and understanding the conditions necessary for optimal operations of the rail. This includes designing bridges, retaining walls, moving earth and more.

Train Procurement

In order to meet the goals of providing 15-minute peak service, the agencies must purchase new trainsets. The process of procurement involves understanding the requirements of the rail line and meeting ridership demands. . Building a trainset can take several years and may involve sourcing materials for various locations around the country.

Federal Grant Approval

To complete this project, the agencies are applying for a Capital Investment Grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

2026 - 2029

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Construction

Construction is expected to last over three years while the current service continues operation. Construction of double tracking will occur in phases, with each segment completed at different times.

Train Manufacturing, Delivery, and Testing

The construction of trainsets is expected to last around three years. Each trainset must undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and compatibility with the existing and new infrastructure.

2030

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Construction Substantial Completion

All segments on the FR 2X project are expected be completed by 2030. There may still be some minor tasks to complete, but all segments will be operational.

New Vehicles Testing and Operation Start

Once each trainset has been tested, they will be put into service.

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15-minute Peak Service

The FrontRunner 2X future service will provide 15-minute peak service and 30-minute off-peak service. This means there will be greater train frequency at each station along the FrontRunner line.

Schedule is dependent on federal grants.

FAQs & Resources

We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions and resources you can download to learn more about FrontRunner 2X.

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