WELCOME TO THE RIO GRANDE PLAN
A Citizen Proposal to Restore Rail Service to the Rio Grande Depot and reconnect our divided community
What is the Rio Grande Plan
The Rio Grande Plan began as a citizen-driven vision for removing railroad crossings, revitalizing a neighborhood, and reusing the historic Rio Grande Depot as Salt Lake City’s main transit hub. Since it was originally pitched in 2020, real steps have been taken by Salt Lake City to study and explore the Rio Grande Plan and its potential.
“Reconnecting Communities” Grant
In February 2023, Salt Lake City was awarded nearly $2 million from the United States Department of Transportation in order to study solutions for eliminating barriers caused by transportation infrastructure. One of the principal options being studied is the Rio Grande Plan’s concept of a ‘train box,’ which would move all railroad tracks into a below-grade trench.
Click the link below to access SLC’s grant application, letters of support, and an explanation of the study’s objectives.
Rio Grande Plan Screening Analysis
Before including the Rio Grande Plan in the ‘Reconnecting Communities’ study, Salt Lake City wanted to have a realistic, coordinated version of the Rio Grande Plan on hand. Kimley Horn, an established engineering consultant, was tasked with contacting local stakeholders, including the host railroads, in order to understand their needs and design requirements. A preliminary cost estimate was also prepared.
This Screening Analysis is now available to the public, and can be viewed by clicking the link below:
THE ORIGINAL RIO GRANDE PLAN?
The original proposal to bury the rails in a below-grade train box was first drafted by Christian Lenhart and Cameron Blakely, two local engineers and urbanists who wanted to do their part to improve their city’s infrastructure. First published in 2020, the proposal slowly gained the attention of the public and planners, thanks in part to the modest pamphlet the pair produced as a free PDF.
View and download the 18-page Rio Grande Plan Booklet below: