Heading to campus this fall? Know the transit options at Auraria

With fall semester beginning next week, students returning to Auraria Campus Aug. 17 should plan for changes to their usual transit routes. RTD is reminding customers that the Colfax at Auraria Station does not have direct light rail service through the first quarter of 2027 due to ongoing construction related to the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project.

There are still several options for students traveling to and from Auraria Campus. These include Auraria West Station, which serves the C, E, and W lines and provides a short walk to the west side of campus. Ball Arena • Elitch Gardens and Empower Field at Mile High stations are also still open during construction.

Transit options for campus

• Auraria West Station: The C, E, and W lines stop here, with pedestrian access to the west side of campus.
• Route 16 and Route ART: Both continue to serve the westbound bus stop next to the Colfax at Auraria Station. ART service runs every 30 minutes.
• Route 43: Provides increased peak-period service between Central Park Station and the Auraria Campus.
• 16th Street FreeRide and Free MetroRide: Provide free connections from Denver Union Station for customers arriving on rerouted rail lines.

The D, H, and L lines are suspended through early 2027. Customers should check the NextRide app or Service Alerts for the latest trip information before traveling.

What to expect around campus

Construction will continue along Colfax Avenue south of the Auraria Campus through September, with lane, sidewalk, and crosswalk impacts changing as work progresses.

Weekly Activity Map for Aug. 10-16

The westbound sidewalk along Colfax Avenue between Seventh and 10th streets is closed, but pedestrian access to campus will remain available at crosswalks at Seventh, Ninth, and 10th streets. Pedestrians should allow extra time for travel and follow posted detours.

Work on the Cherry Creek Bridge is expected to begin Aug. 17 and continue through late September, with lane closures on Speer Boulevard and Stout Street near the bridge. A single westbound lane closure between Kalamath and Seventh streets also remains closed through late September. Traffic and pedestrian impacts may change as work progresses. Traffic control and flaggers will be used to help guide people through the area.

Construction is generally scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional night work may be required to speed up construction and reduce traffic impacts. Work schedules are subject to weather and construction conditions and may change.

Project information

The Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project is replacing aging light rail infrastructure to support reliable service and the long-term integrity of RTD’s rail network.

For project updates, visit RTD’s Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project webpage or contact the project team at [email protected] or 720.902.8817.