The Federal Transit Administration on Friday, Aug. 7, approved FrontRunner 2X to enter the Engineering phase of its Capital Investment Grants program, clearing the way for nearly $1.3 billion in federal funding that would double train frequency on the commuter rail line used by Cottonwood Heights and Holladay riders.

The decision breaks an 18-month federal stall. As we reported July 28, the Trump administration had not signed a single Capital Investment Grant agreement during that stretch, leaving the $3.2 billion project in limbo ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics.

That freeze is over.

Cottonwood Heights and Holladay do not have a FrontRunner station, but residents connect to the line at Murray Central and Sandy/South Jordan via UTA bus and TRAX. Faster, more frequent trains would shorten total commute times for riders transferring at those hubs.

Now, the Utah Department of Transportation and Utah Transit Authority can advance design work, begin early procurement and complete remaining federal requirements as they pursue a Full Funding Grant Agreement, according to UDOT. That final contract is expected in 2027.

"Utah is growing quickly, and preparing for that growth requires a balanced transportation system that goes beyond highways," UDOT Commissioner Carlos Braceras said in a statement Friday.

What the project builds

FrontRunner 2X will add 26.1 miles of double track in 11 locations along the 82-mile corridor between Ogden and Provo, plus one new station in Bluffdale at The Point, 10 new trainsets and a new maintenance facility. The upgrades would cut peak-hour waits from 30 minutes to 15 and provide 30-minute service all day, compared to the current 60-minute off-peak intervals.

FrontRunner already carries more than 3.7 million riders annually and runs at 80% to 90% capacity during rush hours, according to Hoodline. Officials project double-tracking could boost ridership by 53%.

Cost and timeline

The full program carries a $3.2 billion price tag. The state has committed $840 million; officials are pursuing $2.1 billion to $2.4 billion in total federal funding, of which the Capital Investment Grant is the largest single piece. Utah selected Stadler Rail in July to build the 10 trainsets for $328.3 million at the company's Salt Lake City plant.

Construction was originally scheduled to begin in 2026 but is now anticipated from 2027 through 2030, subject to completion of the federal grant process, according to Fox 13. Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, said in a statement that the project will "better-prepare our state to host the 2034 Winter Olympics."

The next milestone is the Full Funding Grant Agreement, expected in 2027. No public comment deadline or hearing has been announced for the next phase.