Denver RTD issues design/build RFP for North Metro commuter-rail line

The Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) has released a request for proposals for design/build services associated with the 18.5-mile North Metro commuter-rail line.

The RFP follows the agency's decision earlier this year that an unsolicited proposal received in February from Graham Contracting Ltd. has technical merit, posing an opportunity to speed up the bidding process for the line's construction, RTD officials said in a press release.

The North Metro project involves the construction of an electrified line connecting Denver and Adams County, and running through Commerce City, Northglenn and Thornton. The line is part of RTD's FasTracks program, which calls for building 122 miles of commuter- and light-rail lines, constructing 18 miles of bus rapid transit routes and redeveloping Denver Union Station.

The bids cover the North Metro project from Denver Union Station to at least 72nd Avenue, and include options to further build the line. RTD officials also are open to proposals containing "innovative solutions" to complete unfinished FasTracks projects.

"For the past few years, we've been inviting the private sector to come to us with their ideas on how to get FasTracks projects done sooner rather than later," said RTD General Manager Phil Washington. "We are looking forward to seeing how the market once again responds to our call for innovation."

The deadline for design/build proposals is Sept. 23. RTD staff is expected to make a contract recommendation to the agency's board in late November and construction is slated to begin in 2014.