Groundbreaking marks next phase of East Colfax BRT as construction advances in Aurora

Project reaches key milestones with all segments of construction now underway, plus halfway point for BRT arch lifts

A major step toward faster, more reliable transit along one of the region’s busiest corridors took place Friday as RTD and project partners broke ground on the Aurora segment of East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This milestone marks the beginning of end-to-end construction, happening simultaneously from Denver to Aurora. The beginning of the final BRT segment advances construction across all five segments, reflecting steady progress toward shorter travel times, improved accessibility, and a more dependable connection to jobs, businesses, and community destinations.

Hosted on the lawn of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, the ceremony marked the start of construction into Aurora from Yosemite Street to Interstate 225, where work will continue in the coming months. RTD customers can expect to see enhanced stations and boarding platforms at key locations, including Havana Street and near the R Line. Once complete, BRT is expected to reduce travel times by up to 30 minutes end-to-end while improving safety and reliability along East Colfax Avenue.

RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson emphasized the broader impact of the project, noting its significance beyond mobility, pointing to its role in supporting economic activity and community connection. “This project is about more than helping people to move to and fro. It is about strengthening the connections that underpin our economy and the communities that we serve,” said Johnson.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman called the project a major milestone for East Colfax and the region. “Our region needs BRT service to better meet transportation demands,“ said Coffman. He continued, “With BRT, this corridor will make travel between downtown Denver, I-225, and Aurora better for the long term.”

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet underscored the long‑term benefits of the investment, particularly for working families. “BRT is creating the infrastructure for us to build a community that is sustainable on the Front Range of Colorado where working people know they are going to be able to raise their families here,” said Bennet.

Lane closures, including upcoming work at Colfax and Havana, will support the installation of new infrastructure. Crews will maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction and ensure access to businesses and sidewalks throughout the project. Existing bus Routes 15 and 15L will continue throughout construction, with temporary stops in place as needed. The project team will continue to communicate detours, traffic shifts, and schedule updates to keep customers informed.

BRT construction progress across all segments

• Segments 1 and 2, from Broadway to Colorado Boulevard in Denver, are on track for completion in fall 2026. Crews have completed improvements at eastbound stations, including utilities, new signals, and landscaping, and continue work on westbound stations. Final paving, striping, and finishing work are expected in spring 2026.
• Segments 3 and 4, between Colorado Boulevard and Yosemite Street, are progressing toward a fall 2027 completion. Construction is underway on both eastbound and westbound stations, with traffic currently flowing in outer lanes. Work will shift to center lanes as crews complete drainage, utilities, signals, and streetscape improvements through 2027. Final paving and station finishes will be completed in 2027.
• Segment 5, extending from Yosemite Street to Interstate 225 in Aurora, will be constructed in a single phase, with completion anticipated in fall 2027. Work will move block by block, with each section taking approximately three to six months. Traffic will remain open in the center lanes throughout construction, and access to businesses will be maintained.

Arch lifts reach halfway point

Another defining BRT milestone came earlier this week with the installation of a station arch at Quebec Street, marking the project’s halfway point for arch structures along the corridor. These distinctive architectural features establish a unified look and feel across the BRT system. Arch lift watch parties have drawn residents and visitors to the corridor, offering a chance to see construction up close while supporting local businesses.

As construction progresses, project partners continue to invest in the community through initiatives like Fax Pass, as part of the We Back the Fax campaign. The program encourages customers to collect stickers and earn rewards by visiting local businesses along Colfax. Since launching, the initiative has driven foot traffic to shops, restaurants, and services during construction while highlighting the corridor’s unique character.

Neighborhood events, including arch‑lift celebrations, have helped bring residents together to experience the project’s progress firsthand. Together, these efforts show the project’s dual focus on construction progress and community support.

Operational testing prepares for service

Behind the scenes, teams are continuing operational testing to ensure the system is ready for safe and reliable service. As recently as March, testing by RTD and project partners focused on how buses interact with new infrastructure, including center-running lanes and level boarding platforms.

Operators maneuvered 60-foot articulated buses within inches of raised platforms to validate alignment, safety procedures, and boarding conditions. This testing supports a key feature of the system, level boarding, which allows customers to step or roll directly onto buses, with the goal of reducing dwell times and improving accessibility for those using wheelchairs, strollers, or bicycles.

Watch video: RTD tests Colfax BRT boarding platforms

Looking ahead

Construction on the East Colfax BRT began in 2024 following more than a decade of community planning and input, with full service expected to begin in 2028. In the coming months, customers can expect additional station installations, continued arch lifts, and periodic traffic shifts.

As work advances in both Aurora and Denver, the project remains focused on delivering faster travel times, safer conditions, and easier access along the corridor. Community members can stay updated at DenverGov.org/ColfaxBRT, follow @WeBackTheFax on social media, or call the night work hotline at 720.336.0025.