For years, Salt Lake City’s Rio Grande district has held both history and hardship. It was once a bustling rail hub that turned into an underutilized area. The district struggles with urban disconnect, homelessness, and transportation challenges. Albeit, a bold new citizen led initiative, Rio Grande Plan is aiming to change all that. If successful, it will reshape the city’s future. This would make it greener, more walkable, and better connected.
So, what exactly is this plan? And more importantly—will it work? Let’s dive into what is one of Salt Lake City’s most transformative urban projects.
What is the Rio Grande Plan?
At its core, the Rio Grande Plan is about rethinking transportation and city design. The plan is to move the Union Pacific, FrontRunner, and Amtrak train lines underground. It also aims to convert the Rio Grande Depot into Salt Lake City’s primary transit hub. This would open up over 75 acres of land for redevelopment, creating space for:
✔️ Mixed-use housing & commercial spaces
✔️ New parks & walkable streets
✔️ Safer, more efficient public transportation
✔️ A revitalized community hub centered around the Rio Grande Depot
This isn’t just about transit—it’s about creating a more connected, sustainable, and livable city.
Why This Matters for Wellness & Sustainability
A well-designed city isn’t just about convenience—it has a huge impact on public health and sustainability. Here’s how the Rio Grande Plan aligns with wellness and environmental goals:
💚 Less Traffic, Less Pollution → With better public transit, more people will be able to commute without cars. This will cut down on carbon emissions and improve air quality.
🚶♀️ More Walkability = Better Mental & Physical Health → Studies show that walkable cities encourage movement. They reduce stress. They also help people feel more connected to their communities.
🌿 Green Spaces for Community & Relaxation → Urban parks and plazas don’t just beautify a city. They improve mental health. They enhance social interaction. They contribute to overall well-being.
Breaking Down the Key Changes
1. Moving the Rail Lines Underground
One of the biggest hurdles in Salt Lake City is the massive Union Pacific rail yard. It cuts off access between downtown and the west side. By moving these tracks underground, the city can:
- Remove dangerous at-grade rail crossings.
- Reduce noise pollution from freight trains.
- Free up valuable real estate for development.
2. Restoring the Rio Grande Depot as a Central Transit Hub
The Rio Grande Depot is an architectural gem that has been underutilized for years. Under this plan, it would become:
- A unified transit hub where FrontRunner, TRAX, and Amtrak meet.
- A walkable, safe space connecting commuters to downtown.
- A symbol of Salt Lake’s future while honoring its past.
3. Turning Rail Yards into a New Urban District
If you’ve ever looked at the rail yards west of downtown, you know it’s hard to imagine them as lively. It’s even harder to see them as a walkable neighborhood. But that’s the goal. This plan would:
- Create thousands of new housing units, including affordable options.
- Encourage local businesses & mixed-use spaces.
- Improve bike lanes, public parks, and green spaces.
Project 3: Yan-Ho Ng & Sam Weisler
Challenges: Can This Actually Happen?
Of course, a massive infrastructure project like this comes with hurdles:
💰 Cost: Estimated between $3 billion and $5 billion, this plan requires serious funding from federal, state, and private sources.
🏛️ Government Approval: Legislators and city planners need to align on priorities, and Union Pacific’s involvement complicates things.
🚧 Construction Disruptions: Transforming an active rail yard into a livable space won’t be quick or easy.
Despite these challenges, cities like Denver, Seattle, and San Francisco have successfully undertaken similar projects. So, there’s hope that Salt Lake City can achieve success, too.
Final Thoughts: Will This Plan Shape Salt Lake’s Future?
The Rio Grande Plan signifies a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how people move, live, and connect in Salt Lake City. If done right, it will:
✅ Make downtown SLC more accessible.
✅ Create more housing & public spaces.
✅ Improve sustainability & air quality.
But it’s still just a plan—and public support & funding will decide whether it happens.
What Do You Think?
Do you think the Rio Grande Plan is worth the investment? Would you use a more walkable, transit-friendly downtown? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
👉 Stay updated & get involved: RioGrandePlanSaltLakeCity.org
