Deseret News: 'Businesses still patient during TRAX construction'

Deseret News photo

The Deseret News has its own version of a story about the North Temple viaduct project that previously ran in the Tribune.

SALT LAKE CITY — Businesses along North Temple have been in "survival mode" for months — trying to hold out through the next 12 months of projected construction that will eventually produce a new light-rail line and revitalize the corridor between 300 West and Salt Lake City International Airport.

And by various accounts, many local business owners have struggled to stay afloat.


"Everybody is keeping their chins up, but they are getting construction weary," said Bill Knowles, ombudsman for Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake Chamber. "It's been a long slog."

Knowles said area restaurants have been most heavily impacted during the construction period. Case in point, the owner of the popular Red Iguana Mexican eatery said earlier this year that his establishment was down about 1,000 patrons per month — which translated to about $30,000 in lost revenue.