SALT LAKE CITY — After more than 20 months of construction, a new TRAX station opened outside Terminal A at the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Utah Transit Authority crews officially opened the station on Friday and said they expect ridership on the Green Line to pick up as well.

A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday to mark the grand opening of the station. Leaders from Salt Lake City, UTA and the airport gathered to celebrate.

No transfer required. The green line stops at the SLC International Airport. Hop on today! pic.twitter.com/wbxPbUe6Bc

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) October 25, 2021

Before Monday, riders had to exit at a temporary station and board a shuttle if they were heading to the airport. UTA spokesperson Carl Arky said this new option shaves off about seven minutes off the commute.

“I think it’s gratifying to finally have it here,” Arky said. “Our partners are excited to see it completed. It took 20 months to complete. It’s here but riders are the ones who will benefit the most. They can get a ride right to the airport now.”

The $22 million project was made possible by local funding.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall talked about the importance of moving people safely and quickly and this service will really change their experience.

New airport Trax station is now open! pic.twitter.com/1i6NN5VDEa

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) October 25, 2021

Airport managers say travel is back up to pre-pandemic levels.

During fall break, there was an average of 30,000 travelers daily at the airport, and parking lots were full.

They add that the timing of the opening with the busy holiday season is definitely a big plus for commuters.

But more than that, connecting people to other TRAX lines in downtown Salt Lake City allows visitors as well to see what our state has to offer.