Light Rail

Building a Better RTD

RTD’s light rail services operate 201 vehicles on more than 60 miles of track connecting 57 stations from downtown Denver to locations throughout the district. RTD currently operates six fixed light rail routes.

The following infrastructure investments will be made in 2026 to renew and enhance our light rail system. Our largest effort in 2026 will be to reconstruct and modernize the aging light rail tracks and infrastructure in downtown Denver, ensuring long-term safety, reliability and capacity for the lines in downtown Denver that have been operating for more than 30 years. Additional investments in 2026 include maintenance and repair of bridges, stairs, Park-n-Rides, stations and power systems throughout the system.

Structure Investments

Rail Access Platform Modular Design

D, E, and H lines

Replacing aging and deteriorated rail access platforms.

Pedestrian Bridge at Jewell

D Line, North of Evans Station

Installing a pedestrian bridge to improve access by pedestrians and bicyclists north of the Evans station.

Pedestrian Bridge Stair Repairs at Orchard and Lincoln Stations

Orchard and Lincoln Stations

Performing structural repairs at Orchard and Lincoln Stations to address concrete deterioration

Light Rail Level Boarding Feasibility Study

Systemwide

Conducting a study to identify the requirements for upgrading RTD’s light rail system to allow for level boarding.

Light Rail Level Boarding Feasibility Study

Systemwide

Conducting a study to identify the requirements for upgrading RTD’s light rail system to allow for level boarding.

Bridge Maintenance Services

Various rail locations

Conducting bridge maintenance at various rail locations including but not limited to Colfax, Indiana, Dry Creek, SE Rail, Tufts, and Wadsworth.

Broadway North Pedestrian Bridge (City of Denver)

I-25•Broadway Station

Planning to build a pedestrian bridge to support development to the west of Broadway.

6th Avenue Arch Bridge Lighting (City of Lakewood)

Tied Arch Bridge over 6th Avenue on the W Line

Enhancing the Arch Bridge over 6th Ave. by replacing lighting that can be changed using electronic controls

Station Investments

Southeast Corridor Station Curb and Tactile Strip Repair

Southeast Corridor Stations including: I-25•Broadway, Louisiana•Pearl, University of Denver, Colorado, Yale, Southmoor, and Belleview

Repairing curb and tactile strips on station platforms near the trackway.

Arapahoe Station Elevator Replacements

Arapahoe at Village Center Light Rail Station

Total replacement of two elevators, including the refurbishment of the elevator tower with weather sealing and roofing.

Southwest Corridor Platform Edge Replacement

Southwest Corridor Stations including: I-25•Broadway, Littleton•Downtown, Oxford•City of Sheridan, Evans, and 10th•Osage

Rebuilding of edges to improve safety on the platform.

Southeast Corridor Stair Replacement Program

Colorado and Louisiana•Pearl Station

Planning to replace two stairs at the Colorado Station in 2027 and two stairs at the Louisiana•Pearl Station in 2028.

Track Investments

Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project (DRRP)

7th•Colfax to 30th•Downing in downtown Denver

Conducting rail reconstruction work in the downtown Denver corridor from 7th•Colfax to 30th•Downing

Walnut Crossing Rail Reconstruction

Walnut Crossing

Reconstructing rail at Walnut Crossing

Rail Reconstruction and Modernization

D, E, H, and W Lines

Maintaining and modernizing existing rail lines, including planning for needed infrastructure reconstruction in a holistic manner

Park-n-Ride Investments

Sky Ridge Park-n-Ride Erosion and Weed Control

Sky Ridge Park-n-Ride

Stabilizing the slope around the Park-n-Ride, cleaning the waterways and complying with state requirements to remove noxious weeds.

RidgeGate Park-n-Ride Erosion and Weed Control

RidgeGate Park-n-Ride

Stabilizing the slope around the Park-n-Ride, cleaning the waterways and complying with state requirements to remove noxious weeds.

Park-n-Ride and Station Platform Sealant Replacement Program

Evans, Oxford•City of Sheridan, Littleton•Downtown, and Littleton•Mineral Light Rail Stations

Replacing sealant at D Line Park-n-Rides and stations to prevent water damage.

Power System Investments

Denver Union Station System Upgrades

Denver Union Station

Replacing overhead contact wires that provide electricity to move the trains.

R Line Improvements at 12 grade crossings (City of Aurora)

R Line

Conducting traffic signal upgrades at 12 at-grade crossings on the R Line.

Traction Power Substation (TPSS) Replacements

D, E, and H Lines

Planning to identify current and future power system needs, including for high-volume events.