Light Rail
Building a Better RTDRTD’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 DesignD, E, and H Lines. Replacing aging and deteriorated rail access platforms.
Pedestrian Bridge at JewellD 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 StationsPerforming structural repairs at Orchard and Lincoln Stations to address concrete deterioration.
Light Rail Level Boarding Feasibility StudyConducting a study to identify the requirements for upgrading RTD’s light rail system to allow for level boarding.
Bridge Maintenance ServicesConducting 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)Planning to build a pedestrian bridge to support development to the west of Broadway.
6th Avenue Arch Bridge Lighting (City of Lakewood)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 RepairSoutheast 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 ReplacementsTotal replacement of two elevators, including the refurbishment of the elevator tower with weather sealing and roofing.
Southwest Corridor Platform Edge ReplacementSouthwest 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 ProgramColorado 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 ReconstructionReconstructing rail at Walnut Crossing.
Rail Reconstruction and ModernizationD, 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 ControlStabilizing 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 ControlStabilizing 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 UpgradesReplacing overhead contact wires that provide electricity to move the trains.
R Line Improvements at 12 grade crossings (City of Aurora)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.Maintenance Facility Investments
Elati Rail Vehicle Wheel Milling Machine ReplacementReplacing equipment used to maintain vehicle wheels. 
Elati Sand Delivery SystemReplacing the system on vehicles that releases sand onto the tracks to increase traction during adverse weather conditions.
Elati Fire Sprinkler RetrofitIncreasing fire sprinkler coverage over stockroom high storage racks.
Mariposa Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning ReplacementsConducting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment replacement work at Mariposa.
Elati Upgrades to Rail Training CenterRetrofitting space to provide an upgraded training facility.
Elati Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning ReconstructionConducting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment reconstruction work at Elati.