Consulting firm STV announced it was selected to support the expansion of Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) FrontRunner commuter rail system.
UTA’s FrontRunner System
The nearly $1 billion FrontRunner 2X project is a transformative investment to modernize and expand the 89-mile commuter rail corridor between Ogden and Provo.
Led by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and in partnership with UTA and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), the program will add double track in 11 strategic locations, easing bottlenecks and increasing operational flexibility. It will also include 10 new trains, a new maintenance facility, signaling and infrastructure upgrades, targeted track realignments, and a new station in Bluffdale.
Together, these improvements will raise system capacity by more than 50%, cut wait times in half to 15 minutes during peak service and 30 minutes during off-peak service, and improve travel time reliability, according to the agency.
STV’s Role
Working as a subconsultant to Horrocks Engineers, STV is leading the double-track design for two corridor segments between the Vineyard, Provo, and Orem stations.
STV will provide detailed engineering and constructability-focused design solutions that support efficient project delivery. The firm was selected for its deep rail engineering expertise and long-standing experience working with both UTA and Union Pacific Railroad.
Horrocks is part of the progressive design-build team led by the joint venture of Stacy Witbeck and Ralph L. Wadsworth, called FrontRunner Forward Partners, which is delivering the corridor-wide improvements for UTA.
“FrontRunner is the backbone of Utah’s regional transit network, and this expansion represents a generational investment in connecting communities along the Wasatch Front,” said Heath Therrien, VP/regional alternative delivery director at STV. “We are proud to bring our national rail expertise to the design-build team, supporting UTA and UDOT’s vision for more frequent, reliable, and sustainable rail service for riders.”
Addressing Regional Growth
The FrontRunner expansion supports Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s long-range transportation plan to address unprecedented population growth, reduce roadway congestion, and expand transit options.
Construction will proceed in phases through 2030 while maintaining FrontRunner service.