The Salt Lake West Interchange has entered construction, launching a $31 million freight rail project designed to reduce blocked crossings and shift switching away from Poplar Grove.

Salt Lake West Interchange Breaks Ground
Photo: patriotrail.com

Patriot Rail Company and the Utah Department of Transportation broke ground on July 17⁠ for the new interchange south of Interstate 80 and Salt Lake City International Airport. The project will relocate train-building and switching operations from the Salt Lake, Garfield and Western Railway’s East Yard, reducing rail movements through west-side neighborhoods.

Salt Lake West Interchange funding and construction

The official project package combines more than $13 million in federal funding, over $17 million from Patriot Rail and a $500,000 contribution approved by the Utah Inland Port Authority⁠. Patriot Rail and UDOT will jointly administer construction.

The partners awarded the principal construction contract to Paragon Construction Systems, a regional railroad and civil contractor. Track and other materials have already reached the site, and the notice to proceed has been issued. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2027.

Moving switching activity away from Poplar Grove is expected to shorten delays at grade crossings, improve access for emergency vehicles and reduce train horn noise. Officials also link the project to lower community impacts, improved air quality and more efficient freight movement.

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Salt Lake West Interchange supports regional freight

The Salt Lake, Garfield and Western Railway operates 16 miles of track⁠ and connects with both BNSF Railway and Union Pacific in Salt Lake City. Its traffic includes petroleum products and other hazardous and non-hazardous commodities, making the planned interchange an important operating point for local and national supply chains.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said trains will continue using the corridor, but moving train-building operations should mean shorter waits and fewer long backups on North Temple. UDOT described blocked crossings caused by switching as a safety and community priority.

Patriot Rail said it has invested more than $122 million in the Salt Lake region since 2020. Those investments include acquiring the short line, expanding Hydra Logistics with a new warehouse and adding freight transportation services.

The West Interchange is intended to separate more switching activity from residential areas while preserving competitive rail access for regional shippers.

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