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2/29/2024
In May, the Regional Transportation District-Denver (RTD) expects to begin the first phase of construction for a $152 million, multiphased project to reconstruct light-rail track in downtown Denver.
It will be the first major reconstruction project of its kind in the agency's history, RTD officials said in a news release. Between 2012 and 2023, RTD undertook 17 isolated projects in the central corridor to replace sections of curved rail, switches, grade crossings, signals and other rail infrastructure.
The first phase will focus on five segments of at-grade rail and street intersections in the Downtown Loop. Beginning May 26, all D and H line trains will be rerouted to Denver Union Station, and L Line service — which connects 30th Downing Station to the Downtown Loop — will be suspended.
No light-rail service will operate in RTD's central corridor through September 2024. Following completion of the project’s first phase in September, crews will pause reconstruction work until 2025, and all light-rail services will resume normal operations. The Downtown Loop in Denver’s Central Business District is part of RTD's first light-rail line and opened in October 1994. After nearly 30 years of continual service, several segments of track along the 5.3-mile corridor require a full-depth reconstruction, RTD officials said. The process involves removing all current rail infrastructure, concrete, ties and ballasts.
"Maintaining RTD’s assets and infrastructure is essential to preserving the region’s previous investments in its mass transportation system," said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra Johnson. "The agency is ensuring that its 30-year-old system continues to provide reliable service for at least 30 more years and beyond."