RTD-Denver wraps up first phase of Downtown Loop reconstruction

The Regional Transportation District–Denver (RTD) has completed the first phase of its Downtown Loop light rail reconstruction work three weeks ahead of schedule, agency officials announced yesterday.

RTD will resume phases two through four of the reconstruction in 2025, RTD officials said in a press release.

The first phase focused on reconstructing five major intersections of the Downtown Loop. It was initially scheduled to conclude in mid-September. Between June and August, crews completed a full reconstruction of the intersections at Broadway and Welton, and grade crossings at 15th, 17th streets with California and Stout streets. 

The major reconstruction is the first of its kind in the history of RTD. Between 2012 and 2023, RTD already undertook 17 projects in the central corridor to replace sections of rail and other infrastructure, but nothing as extensive as a full reconstruction has occurred, RTD officials said.