SALT LAKE CITY — The Central Wasatch Commission, which oversees planning in the Central Wasatch Mountain Range, is considering its options to meet the growing transportation demand in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Among the proposals is a nine-mile cog railway between the mouth of the canyon and Alta Ski Area.
“We definitely are, you know our population is growing in the valley, Utah has been discovered and so more people are coming to ski and yes there absolutely needs to be a solution," said Andria Huskinson, Alta's communication manager.
Mike Allegra, a consultant with the Swiss railway design firm Stadler, told the commission that passengers would reach Snowbird in 19 minutes or Alta in 25 minutes, and about 3,000 people could be transported up the canyon per hour.
Executive Director Ralph Becker of the CWC said if the rail system works, it could significantly reduce vehicle congestion and air pollution.
But the system would have a price tag of around $1 billion.
Other options include expanded bus service, a gondola and road improvements.
Click here to read more about the proposed cog rail system from The Salt Lake Tribune.
