The most interesting thing about this TRAX line is how much of it is already built. Following the route in Google Maps, I'm impressed that
ALL the major bridges (one of the most expensive parts) are already built. Here is a picture from the linked article showing one of the bridges in the background:
Without knowing that bridge was built specifically for TRAX, it would pose quite the fun puzzle to an inquisitive engineer: Old rail line, rusted rails, rotting ties, but what's this? A double-tracked bridge? with fresh ballast? With rails clipped directly the the concrete bridge deck? Built for higher speeds? What is this?
And there are FIVE such bridges along the line already. Not a single one still needs to be built. It's amazing how much funding we give to road projects, so much that all of these expensive structure fit into the category of remediation for new road construction. And until TRAX comes along, all these nice bridges will just sit empty, depreciating.
Another thought on TRAX; I was driving (or rather, getting a ride) through 'downtown' American Fork the other day, and I was surprised by how much urban potential the place has. All the nice old buildings, all the nice small blocks, all the open lots ready for denser developments... It has the potential to be really great. And it's only 6.5 miles farther down the old rail line than the future Adobe station. I had thought for a long while that the Utah County portion of the TRAX blue line would be sort of an over-extension, pushing higher density transit into suburban exurbs where no one would use it. I've reversed that. TRAX will be a great fit in Utah County, and needs to be built sooner, rather than later.